God and Human Wholeness

“Kent Yinger’s latest publication is a fine contribution to the field of biblical scholarship generally and in particular to the subject under investigation—perfection. Yinger demonstrates that the popular conception of perfection as sinlessness is unbiblical and needs to be adjusted in light of the pertinent exegetical data. The volume surveys the history of the doctrine, examines the biblical materials, and concludes with a consideration of the church’s pursuit of perfection. All in all, one need look no further for an all-around treatment of this important topic.”


—Don Garlington, author of The Obedience of Faith





“Kent Yinger's work is more than a well-researched supplementary study of the topic of biblical perfection. It is a must read that will change how one thinks about faith, righteousness, sanctification, and Christian living. It clarifies the biblical presentation of the response that God desires to God’s offer of grace. This work has historical-reconstructive, theological, and pastoral ramifications for understanding the nature of faith and righteousness—that is, living by a wholehearted response to God.”


—Rodney Duke, Professor of Religion, Appalachian State University





“‘Be perfect’ (Matt 5:48)—this little command in the Bible has always perplexed me. Who can be perfect? Yinger has convincingly argued that here, and elsewhere in the Bible, ‘perfection’ language is not about obeying God without mistakes or errors, but rather about wholehearted love and loyalty to God. All students of the Bible will benefit from Yinger's important book.”


—Nijay K. Gupta, Associate Professor of New Testament, Portland Seminary