December 12

Read: Hebrews 12:1-2

Let us lay aside every weight (Hebrews 12:1).

Christian Perfection In A Capsule

The two verses of our scripture suggest four essential elements of what holiness people believe and teach concerning Christian perfection. Standing alone this passage might not be used as unchallengeable evidence for the second blessing. It does, however, properly illustrate, and thus supports, the conclusion reached on other grounds.

(1) The Bible makes it clear that those who win the Christian race pay a price for their success. God’s people in the past have been a heroic lot. They are the witnesses by whom we are surrounded. We believe that in some way not known to us they are aware of our progress in the race. But more important is the fact that their experience witnesses to us that we shall not finish with success unless we are willing to bend every effort to win.

That is what it means to lay aside every weight. One translator puts it, “Let us get rid of every impediment.” Another suggests the reason: “Let us strip off everything that hinders.” And a third brings out the urgency of this action: “Let us Sling aside every encumbrance.”

What are we to fling aside? John Wesley’s mother suggested a good standard to her son. “Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of your body over mind, that thing for you is sin.”

The Christian life requires complete consecration for success.

Thou, my Life, my Treasure be, My portion here below; Nothing would I seek but Thee, Thee only would I know.

— Wesley’s Hymns (More tomorrow) *