Perfect Love: Recovering Entire Sanctification—The Lost Power of the Methodist Movement

by Kevin M. Watson

Perfect Recovering Entire Sanctification?The Lost Power of the Methodist Movement is a wake-up call to the people called Methodists. According to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, God raised up Methodism in order to spread the central teaching of entire sanctification. The church has offered an unbalanced understanding of the gospel for too long. The promise of forgiveness and pardon through faith in Jesus Christ has been emphasized in many parts of the body of Christ. Initial conversion and new birth are good news indeed! But they are also just the beginning of the life that is promised to us in the Bible. Jesus came not only so that we could be forgiven, but so that we could have life abundantly.
This book calls all Methodists?the spiritual descendants of the Wesleyan revival, regardless of contemporary denominational expression?back to who we have been at our best, in times when we have been a growing, vibrant, and Spirit-filled movement. It is time to retrieve Methodism?s lost treasure, the doctrine of entire sanctification. This doctrine speaks to the radical optimism that through the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can move from struggling to survive as Christians to thriving! Perfect Love provides an in-depth explanation of entire sanctification and helps readers pursue all that God has for us.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church

196 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Cale Manley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perspective on entire sanctification based on John Wesley's understanding and the experiences of the early Methodists. The author is passionate and devoted to recovering this lost doctrine. I was surprised that the author admitted that he himself has not experienced entire sanctification. I found the book very interesting and parts of it convincing; however, I was left feeling that the author's expectations of entire sanctification are idealistic.

[Richard Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! This book challenged me right where God needed to challenge me. The book reinforced what I knew to be true but needed to live out fully. All Methodists, anyone from a Wesleyan background, and all Christians can learn a great deal from Watson's book. I encourage you to read it today!

[Nathan Marone]

There are two things here. First, the doctrine of entire sanctification itself. Second, the presentation of the doctrine.

Kevin Watson does a good job of presentation. The doctrine is clearly presented and defined. Watson is winsome and easy to read. I was especially fond of his presentation of the doctrine in the history of Methodism. So, if you're looking for a good introduction to Wesleyan-Methodist thinking on entire sanctification, Perfect Love is a good place to start.

On the doctrine, Watson's book seemed to confirm and even exacerbate some of my own frustrations with entire sanctification. In particular, the emphasis on a second experience is untenable. If Wesleyan notions of sanctification were pressing people to feel from sin, fully devote themselves to God, and to become a living sacrifice, I'd have no qualm. All of these things seem apparent and obvious from even a cursory study of scripture. But the notion of a second experience is not as apparent. The main exception would be the book of Acts, which describes the Holy Spirit coming on believers. The key is that it describes, not prescribes. In other words, while there may be a second experience to be had, the New Testament does not instruct its readers to strive after an experience. The great irony of Watson's book is that in his chapter on scriptural foundations, he never once points to anything in Acts!

It is true that Christians can be lazy, culturally oriented, and stagnant. It's true that the churches have probably had a huge hand in this through the preaching and teaching a Christian life that doesn't really require standards or accountability. But I don't think the answer is to seek after a second experience. We do not need to look for a moment in time.

[Dave Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you find yourself approaching 50, something happens inside your psyche. it's not just the world has ceased to make sense, time itself has seemingly found itself taking on a whole new kind of existential weight. The sort of weight that pushes you into new forms of examination of that increasingly unfamiliar world.

From my now boots on the ground experience, those things that once made life coherent, that you could trust were there doing the work of turning life into a thing we know and experience, are being stripped away piece by piece with a stunning degree of verocity. That, as I have discovered, it becomes common to feel at this age as though you have been made obsolete and invisible, at best a punchline to the running joke and cynicism of younger generations towards the old, make you seriously wonder and question all of the energy you put into thinking the stuff of your formative years actually mattered once upon a time. It's not just change at play, it's staight up ambivilance of the sort that does not hold anything you once cherished to be sacred.

If that sounds dire, I get it. It is nevertheless true. And true to my personal struggles. There is however a "but" that one can insert into this picture. Part of the power that this reflective process has in being afforded a whole life to dissect and analyze is gradually nudging us out of the despair of these kind of generational trappings and into a different category of thought altogether. Where the view we gain isn't thinking so much about "a life" as it is it's meaning. If my younger self would have insisted the meaning is in the percieved superiority of our creations, my (almost) 50 year old self responds by saying, this awareness of how quickly all of this gets stripped away, along with our ability to assume a shared language (using that word broadly to evoke a shared culture) seems to suggest something quite different. To grow into a space where time takes on a different force of meaning is learn how to ask (and seek) different questions, questions that wonder what it actually looks like for the lives we create to witness to a truer kind of transformation. Not just of the self, but of history.

This reflection has led me towards finally checking off a long sought after pilgrimage this summer- travelling to England to visit my literary heroes. Had you asked me a couple years ago, and maybe even a year ago, I would have cited Ireland at the top of my "if I had to choose one trip" list without question. This is my family's heritage, what I would have deemed a homecoming of sorts. Some fears about how well it would work with my celiac disease had pushed me to consider England instead. A funny thing happened when I did that- I suddenly found my life being unearthed in the childhood stories buried in it's soil. It didn't stop there. While my dad's side is from Ireland, my mom's side, having arrived in England by way of the Ango-Saxons, is from England. And one of the main throughlines that brings these two family lines together in their heritage is John Wesley, buried and perserved in London. The Courtney line follows Wesley as an itinerant preacher, with our heritage littered with similar preachers that reach back as far as the eye can see. A lesser known aspect of Wesley's Methodism is it's associatiation with Pentecostalism, which is my direct heritage. It is here that both my mom's side (Deller) and my dad's side (Courtney) converge, following the emergence of Pentecostalism in Canada.

Turns out England might be even more of a homecoming than Ireland, even if those Irish roots remain prevelant. Thus England quietly staked it's claim on my spirit, drawing out this sense that my life is part of something far bigger than my formative years in the 80's/90's/ early 2000's here in Winnipeg, Canada. There is something about the way memory is presevered that awakens me to the notion that actual transformation is actually a thing.

Which brings me to this book. Anticipating my visit to John Wesley's home and grave and the museum of methodism, I picked this book up in an effort to fill in some gaps and make me more aware of the thread holding my pentecostal roots in it's formative hands. If Methodism, as this book points out, is distinguished by anything, it is by it's conviction regarding entire sanctification of self and world. This is why it exists, and what it rose both in response to (a neglect of this theology) and as an active practice. Methodism is driven by the simple conviction that how we navigate the world in our present moment, be it at 18 or 50, is anchored in this greater vision for new creation. We are never isolated from this grander vision, even if we might find ourselves captive to a narrowed perception of time in our younger years. To age, then, is to gain a greater sense of that liminal space that the stories of Ireland and England are known for perserving. To find ourselves drawn towards that perfect (or whole) love is to invite our imaginations into a dance with the tension. This is, for methodism, what liberates us from the power of Sin and Death.

This isn't an academic book. It is in part a history book. More so it's a comprehensive catechism regarding the methodist lens. On that level it is a wonderful way into a greater understanding of that movement if you are unfamiliar, and a reminder if you are familiar. More so, for me, it was a way into this part of my pilgrimage. A path that is just as important as Dickens, Lewis and Tolkien, Potter and Sayers, Lawhead and Wright, and Milne and Dahl.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a member of two different Methodist churches for a combined total of nearly 28 years, and yet have never heard a solid sermon or in-depth teaching on Methodism's "grand depositum:" entire sanctification. This unique doctrine was developed by John Wesley over 200 years ago, and it has influenced millions of believers, and undergirded multiple Christian Denominations around the world.

Yet today, it seems to be a bit of theology Wesley's current descendants would prefer to run from, as if Mr. Wesley was the crazy uncle one must put up with at family gatherings.

Kevin Watson, the author of Perfect Love, disagrees with most Methodists. He doesn't think Mr. Wesley is odd at all. Rather, he thinks John Wesley deserves the seat at the head of the table and the rest of us should pay more attention to him. After reading this book, I'm inclined to agree.

Entire Sanctification is the doctrine that says God has more for us than simply "justification ;" which is cleansing us from sin through the work of the Cross -- Jesus' suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. Entire Sanctification says those who have been justified can also be made completely HOLY (entirely sanctified), in this life, here on earth -- and remain so -- through God's indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

This book explains how sanctification is actually possible. Watson explains the history of the doctrine, shares many testimonies of those who have experienced sanctification, and importantly, what sanctification is, and what it is NOT.

Watsons style is quite readable, understandable, and intuitive. Every time I had a question, within a page or two, he answered it. He offers discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which makes this book useful for small groups, Bible Studies etc. He also provides several appendices which include sermons by John Wesley about Sanctification, as well as present-day statements from various Wesley-based Denominations proving that they claim to believe in Entire Sanctification. Whether all of them live this out, I do not know, but they are on record as claiming it as valid.

I encourage anyone who is a spiritual heir of John Wesley to read this book. You will be encouraged to seek and find what God has for you.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I finally finished the appendices of the book so I could truthfully say I have completed it. 😊 This little book is an excellent little primer on beginning to understand the doctrine of “entire sanctification” the “grand depositum” of the Methodist movement. Truthfully, though what was most meaningful to me was to re-read the sermons of John Wesley after reading Kevin Watson’s review of the doctrine. Wesley’s sermons were then easier to comprehend and understand. What I found most intriguing was the contrast between Wesley’s preaching emphasis in “The Scripture Way of Salvation” and some of the doctrinal statements of faith – particularly the Nazarenes. In his sermon, Wesley says, “And by this token you may surely know whether you seek it by faith or by works. If by works, you want something to be done first, before you are sanctified. You think, I must first be or do this or that. Then you are seeking it by works unto this day. If you seek it by faith, you may expect it as you are; and expect it now. It is of importance to observe, that there is an inseparable connection between these three points: expect it by faith; expect it as you are; and expect it now! To deny one of them, is to deny them all; to allow one, is to allow them all.” By contrast, the Church of the Nazarene article 10 on “Christian Holiness and Entire Sanctification” states, “Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by grace through faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.” Wesley’s emphasis is a saved obedient child trusting NOW by faith that God does the work. The Nazarene doctrinal statement implies that I must complete an entire consecration before I can receive the work of the Holy Spirit. This difference in emphasis can have a major impact on how one seeks after and receives the gift of entire sanctification. I think Wesley is spot on and it clarifies a lot for me. I am glad I was able to see these things juxtaposed in Kevin’s book against the backdrop of his explanations. I am grateful for the book and recommend it.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing both academically and accessibly, Watson makes a compelling case for the reclamation of the doctrine of entire sanctification by those in Methodist traditions. This is quite the 'doctrinal hot potato' even for those of us who base our theology on Wesleyan roots and I am glad that Watson was not afraid to pick this up and turn this over and look at it and wonder what we have lost and what we have to gain by a renewed commitment to closing the 'sanctification gap' that exists in our practice, if not our doctrine. I found his Scriptural case compelling, even if at times I feel that Wesley's own defense of it is not some of his strongest work. I do appreciate how Watson included both the sermons "On Christian Perfection AND "The Scripture Way of Salvation" as I believe holding these two sermons in tension gives the best picture of what Wesley was truly after. I also loved the line about Christian perfection being the experience of "giving all I know of me to all that I know of God" with the knowledge that this will grow and change on the way of Christian maturity. My problem with Christian perfection is not been questioning it's reality (which I do think is possible and Scriptural) but the necessity and value of 'claiming it'. I'm not sure Watson fully addressed my concerns on that front, but this is a definite read for any lay person in a Wesleyan tradition interested in exploring this topic further and thinking about the ramifications for the Methodist movement because I do agree with Watson that we avoid this issue at the peril of our spiritual vitality.

[Jeremiah Batson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate this author's zeal for the Lord. Unfortunately, in my view, his foundation for entire sanctification and the full gospel is faulty and his definitions are muddy. Too be fair, so was John Wesley's. He also skillfully avoids some of the less-appealing elements of Weslyian/Methodist soteriology. For example, the fact that there is absolutely no assurance of salvation. Even an individual who has been 'perfected in love' can fall away and fully lose salvation with enough spiritual regression. As a Baptist, I also believe sanctification is essential, but I am not convinced that sin will be fully eliminated until glorification- which gets absolutely no mention in this book, by the way. Weslyians confuse positional holiness with fulfilled or actual holiness and the possiblity of losing salvation is a non-starter in my view. I ended with a better grasp of Methodism, but more troubled by its broader implications.
Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and THEY WILL NEVER PERISH, and NO ONE WILL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than ALL[including the person given], and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." - John 10:27-29

[Timothy Klob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good insights into the Methodist/Wesleyan doctrine of entire sanctification with which I was otherwise unfamiliar. I am more familiar with Wesley's theology and desire for Christian perfection during his early ministry as opposed to thereafter, and was surprised to see how many of his strict pietistic practices from his early life carried forward into these later doctrinal developments. Parts of this book read more like a workbook, which it appears to be to some degree rather than a text, and appears to be focused toward small group discussion. While the discussion of the doctrine of entire sanctification was thorough, there were also parts where it seemed to repeat the same concepts and material as opposed to developing it further. Helpful in understanding Wesleyan theology and how the other branches of the Holiness movement have applied the doctrine of entire sanctification and the concept of Christian perfection much further than traditional mainline Methodism.

[Brandon Charlton II · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starter book on doctrine of sanctification. I think he talked too much about Methodism and not enough about sanctification itself. Would recommend for someone who is from a Wesleyan movement(chog Anderson, Wesleyan, Methodist, Nazarene, etc .) Wouldn’t necessarily recommend for someone outside the movement

[Douglas Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding view of sanctification in today's world

Kevin has provided us a review of sanctification that applies to the church, today. If we want to understand how to live in the world as sanctified Christians, Kevin provides John Wesley's understanding of sanctification that we can follow and provides direction to living in today's world as sanctified Christians.

[Sam Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

— 1 Thess 5:23-24

[Joe Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and trustworthy writing on a foundational theological truth. Truly, a clarion call to those responsible for proclamation of Biblical doctrine. Highly recommended.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Watson has written an excellent and perhaps the most important book on entire sanctification authored in decades. This book doesn’t just attempt to impart information, though it imparts a lot of information. This book is transformational. This book would be an excellent choice to introduce both the doctrine of entire sanctification and class or band meetings. Watson gives a historical and biblical basis for the doctrine. He takes two chapters to examine what entire sanctification is and is not. This is a must-read book, and there aren’t many of those.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those interested in studying the doctrine of Perfect Love/Entire Sanctification then this is a good point to start! It goes over the history well, gives some examples, lays out the scriptural case. Definitely makes it clear that John Wesley wasn't pulling it from thin air, though I think a comparison to Theosis would be good to have when reading this. It list all it's sources well so gives you plenty to do follow up reading/research with, and the inclusion of John Wesley's Sermon is an amazing on hand resources!

[Michael Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watson’s primer on the doctrine Christian Perfection is powerful, convincing, and inspiring. It should be required reading for every preacher with a Methodist/Wesleyan heritage, so that we can recover the primary status of this essential Wesleyan teaching.

Watson writes in a style easily accessible to churchgoers of any background. Chapters are brief and well-organized, and so easily adapted to a small group study.