But this is not the case. The prophets and apostles did not perfect Christian character by a miracle. These words are addressed not only to the church at Corinth but to all the people of God to the close of time. Every Christian may enjoy the blessing of sanctification. Paul would not have appealed to them to do that which was impossible.
Unity is the sure result of Christian perfection.
In the Epistle to the Colossians also are set forth the glorious privileges vouchsafed to the children of God. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, . . The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. There is a striking contrast between the boastful, self-righteous claims of those who profess to be without sin, and the modest language of the apostle. Yet it was the purity and faithfulness of his own life that gave such power to his exhortations to his brethren.