Sinlessness and Character Perfection in the Last Generation

Yes, the Christians of the last generation are called to reach a state of unity, knowledge, and perfection through the final warning message and the gifts of the Spirit to be prepared for translation without tasting death1SP 13.3+1. This preparation involves a complete restoration from the defilement of sin, as the gospel acknowledges no standard lower than the perfection of the divine characterTR 65.3.

Reaching the Condition of Sinlessness

Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, believers can reach the same condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression8MR 99.2+2. This is possible because:

• Christ's Example: In His humanity, the Saviour showed that by cooperating with divinity, human beings may attain to perfection of character in this lifePCP 57.4+1.

• Divine Power: Christ has not failed to provide sufficient power for His children to overcome every temptation by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony2SAT 175.6+1.

• Atoning Merit: Every son and daughter of Adam can overcome through the merit of Christ’s sinlessness and His victory over the powers of darkness2SAT 175.6.

• Commandment Keeping: Those who will stand in the last generation will be characterized by their obedience to all ten of God's commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath Revelation 12:178MR 99.2+1.

The Nature of Perfection and Sanctification

While the standard is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, it is essential to distinguish true sanctification from false claims Philippians 2:12-16ST May 23, 1895, par. 7.

• Progressive Work: True sanctification is a progressive work characterized by holiness in aim, aspiration, and actionST May 23, 1895, par. 7+1.

• No Vain Boasting: Those who are truly seeking perfection will never boast of their own sinlessness or holiness, but will instead feel a sense of their own weakness and inferiority compared to the perfection of JesusPUR September 11, 1902, par. 4+2.

• The Danger of Self-Exaltation: Claiming to be "above the possibility of sin" or possessing "instantaneous holiness" while disregarding God's law is a deception of SatanLS 79.1+3.

• Continual Growth: Even as we reach higher degrees of perfection, we are to be constantly learning from the Great Teacher and pressing toward the mark of the prizePUR September 11, 1902, par. 4+2.

The Last Generation and Translation

The last generation of men must be brought to a state of unity and perfection to be fitted for the greatest event the world has ever seen1SP 13.3+1.

• The Final Warning: God sends a specific warning message to lead people to repentance and to put away their sins prior to Christ's appearingChS 53.3+1.

• Preparation for the Day of God: We are to be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless, having woven the principles of God's holy law into our life practices 2 Peter 3:14TM 187.1+1.

• The Investigative Judgment: The work of blotting out sins must be accomplished in the investigative judgment before the second advent, so that when Christ comes, His reward is with HimGC 485.2.

• Total Consecration: Those who look for the Lord's coming should be standing upon a higher plane of action, cultivating every faculty to its highest degree of perfectionCG 164.2+2.

The ultimate design of the spiritual gifts is to bring the church to this state of unity and perfection, a goal that will be realized in the Christians of the last generation who are prepared for translation Ephesians 4:11-131SP 13.3+1. While we must never claim sinlessness for ourselves, we are to rely entirely on the righteousness of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to reflect the image of God fullyDA 827.3+2.