SINLESS PERFECTION IN THE LAST GENERATION THEOLOGY: A PERSISTENT ISSUE?

Abstract

There is an increasing support for the Last Generation Theology teaching about the sinless perfection of believers in the SDAC. The proponents of this movement advocate for this sinless-perfection teaching by using some biblical passages, such as Matt 5:48, 2 Pet 3:14, and 1 John 3:9 to support their position. However, through an in-depth analysis of the above texts, the present study argues that the word translated as “perfection” in Matt 5:48 is teleios and, in this context, is used in connection with love and mercy. The words aspilos and amōmos in 2 Pet 3:14 appear to be related, and for instance, the word amōmos, viewed in terms of its OT background, refers to a life entirely submitted to the will of God. 1 John 3:9 also suggests that the believers continue to grapple with sin as the verb used (poiei) indicates a continuative idea. Such continuity gives the believers the courage to seek Christ’s help and invite Him to dwell in them and them in Him, which then brings forth spiritual growth.