Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 18.
My summary
Hodge finishes his discussion of sanctification.
Firstly, Hodge looks at the relation of good works to reward, in particular the Roman Catholic claim that 'works performed under the control of gracious principles infused in baptism, are perfect; they have therefore real merit'.
Secondly, Hodge refutes the doctrine of perfectionism by:
(i) giving (mostly) Scriptural arguments;
(ii) outlining the weaknesses in theories of perfectionism (Pelagian, Romish and Arminian).
What grabbed me
I liked the way Hodge demonstrated that the law is changed in perfectionism:
'These theories, however, all agree in teaching that the law of God has been lowered in so far that its demands are satisfied by a less degree of obedience than was required of Adam, or of man in his normal state ; and therefore in calling that perfection which in fact is not perfection, either in the sight of God or of an enlightened conscience. It is a contradiction to say that a man is perfect whose acts and shortcomings need expiation and the pardoning mercy of God.
It may be safely assumed that no man living has ever seen a fellow-man whom, even in the imperfect light in which a man reveals himself to his fellows, he deems perfect. And no sound- minded man can regard himself as perfect, unless he lowers the standard of judgment to suit his case. And here lies one of the special dangers of the whole system. If the law of God can be relaxed in its demands to suit the state of its subjects, then there is no limit to be assigned to its condescension. Thus perfectionism has sometimes, although not among the Methodists, lapsed into antinomianism.'
To be perfect in this life, we need to render the law imperfect.
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 19 by reading up to the heading '4. The first commandment'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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