In this summon John trials to explain that love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment. He points out that it is not only the first and great command, but all the commandments in one. “Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise," they are all comprised in this one word, Love. In this is perfection, and glory, and happiness! He explains that the royal law of heaven and earth is that "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. John points to believing Christians that the one perfect good shall be their one ultimate end. One thing shall ye desire for its own sake,-the fruition of Him who is all in all. He summons Christian to know God with all their might. He seems to making it clear that all what Christians should be doing is to know God in their daily lives. “One happiness shall ye propose to your souls, even a union with Him that made them; To John Wesley, fellowship with the Triune God is important for Christian growth.
He cites the perfect law, as the circumcision of the heart. L Saying that let the spirit return to God that gave it, with the whole train of its affections. Other sacrifices from us He would not: but the living sacrifice of the heart hath He chosen. It is clear that John Wesley considers sacrificial living as something important for Christians. Let it be continually offered up to God, through Christ, in flames of holy love. And let no creature be suffered to share with Him; for He is a jealous God. His throne will not divide with another; He will reign without a rival. Be no design, no desire, admitted there, but what has Him for its ultimate object. This is the way wherein those children of God once walked, who being dead, still speak to us. Desire not to live but to praise His name; let all your thoughts, words, and works tend to His glory. Let your soul be filled with so entire a love to Him' that you may love nothing but for His sake.
By perfection he means the humble, gentle, patient and love of God and our neighbor, ruling our tempers, words, and actions. He does not include an impossibility of falling from it, either in part or in whole. Therefore, He retract several expressions in our believes and hymns, which partly express, partly imply, such an impossibility. And John does not contend for the term sinless, though he does not object against it either.
John Wesley was of the believe that this perfection is always wrought in the soul by a simple act of faith; consequently in an instant. But he also believed in a gradual work both preceding and following that instant. See my paper on Faith and works
John Wesley in this sermon believes that this instant generally is the instant of death, the moment before the soul leaves the body. But he says that it may be a while before this happens. He further points out that perfection is not freedom from all sin: seeing "sin is the transgression of the law"; and the perfect transgress the very law they are under. Besides, sinners he cites need the atonement of Christ; and He is the atonement of nothing but sin. Is, then, the term sinless perfection proper?
