Perfectionism is the doctrine that a Christian can achieve a sin-free state in this lifetime. The sinful nature remains, but it is possible to resist all sinful temptations. In the Pelagian form, perfectionism is possible because the fall did not corrupt the nature of man. Since God commands us not to sin, and God would not command us to do the impossible, living a sin-free life must be possible. In its Wesleyan form, perfectionism is possible if someone experiences a second blessing (also called a second work of grace or Baptism of the Holy Spirit). The first work of grace results in justification and forgiveness. The second work of grace eradicates original sin and the motivation to backslide into sin.
Those supporting perfectionism typically cite the following verse, “Therefore, you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). Many interpret this verse as aspirational. Christians should strive to be perfect like Christ. But this verse says that we shall be perfect, seemingly supporting perfectionism. But a closer examination reveals that both interpretations are questionable. The word perfect is a translation of the Greek word teleios (τέλειοι), which literally means complete, full grown, or mature. It is therefore better to understand perfect in this context to be mature and not childlike. Louis Lotz explains, “In Jesus’s day the word ‘perfect’ meant to be full grown, to be mature, to reach the end of development.”[i]
The understanding of this verse can be thought of as something like, “Therefore, you shall be fully mature as moral Christians, as your Father is a fully mature moral God.” Robert Smith paraphrases as follows, “This perfection is the condition of being fully mature, all grown up, of having reach the end and goal (τέλος) of human life under God. It means being children of God, sharing in the divine nature that is marked by stunning and indiscriminate acts of generosity to all.”[ii] This verse is related to the process of sanctification in the sense that becoming more holy through the power of the Holy Spirit is essentially the same a becoming a more mature Christian.
[i] Louis Lotz, “Perplexing texts: Matthew 5:48,” Reformed Journal, 29 no. 4 April 1979: 8.
[ii] Robert Smith, “The End in Matthew (5:48 and 28:20): How to Preach It and How Not To,” Word & World, 19 no 3 Sum 1999: 307.
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