John's first thirty pages survey the concept of perfection in modern theology, from Friedrich Schleiermacher to Oscar Cullman. John's sixty page treatment of the Pauline epistles illustrates the depth of John's understanding of the New Testament teaching on perfection. John makes clear that perfection in Paul's writing does not include an absolute or autonomous perfection imparted by God. Pauline perfection means living by faith in Christ and progressing by the work of the Holy Spirit to the death to self and human-centered efforts at personal sanctification.
Sanctification is a growing experience for growing people.
Far from being something static, New Testament perfection is a growing relationship, ever widening and deepening in its scope and implications. This work is an impressive scholarly tome, well documented, fully indexed, and clearly written. John, you've won well deserved appreciation and respect for this volume, and you've brought honor to Asbury Seminary by your work. Please accept our community's gratitude and thanks for a job well done.