A Response to “The ‘Victorious Life’: Studies in Perfectionism, vol. 2” by BB Warfield
Not I, but Christ
I recently read an article on The “Victorious Life”: Studies in Perfectionism, vol. 2 by BB Warfield from 1918 as originally published in The Princeton Theological Review, and I want to say how grateful I am for the historical and theological care Warfield brought to this important discussion. Warfield is exactly right that theology must be anchored in Scripture, and his attention to doctrinal clarity and historical awareness is commendable. In that spirit, I offer a friendly, grace-filled perspective from within the tradition of the exchanged life—one that, while perhaps overlapping with some of the concerns raised in his article, offers a Christ-centered framework that avoids the extremes he rightly cautioned against.
As someone who once wrestled with anxiety and depression for over two decades, I can personally attest to the transforming reality of Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” It was not a technique or a pursuit of sinless perfection that led me to freedom, but the discovery that Christ does not merely assist the self-life—He replaces it. The “victorious life” I now know is not my victory at all—it is Christ’s victory expressed in and through me as I yield to Him.
From this lens, the concern about perfectionism seems to stem from a misunderstanding—one that equates this message with striving toward sinless behavior. But true exchanged life theology rejects striving altogether. It is not about improving the old man, but recognizing, as Romans 6 teaches, that the old man was crucified with Christ. We do not ask God to fix the flesh; we agree with Him that the flesh can never please Him. Instead, we rest in the sufficiency of the indwelling Christ, allowing Him to express His life moment by moment as we walk by faith.
Far from bypassing the process of sanctification, this perspective embraces it—yet not as self-effort cloaked in theological language. Rather, we rest in the One who “works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). What begins in grace is sustained and completed by grace (Gal. 3:3). This is not a sinless life, but a Christ-sourced life. And yes, as we mature, we may “sin less,” not because of our progress, but because the life of Another is being formed and expressed in us.
The concern that some versions of victorious living may become introspective, mystical, or disengaged from the world is legitimate—but I would argue that when rightly understood, the exchanged life produces the opposite. It produces rest, freedom, joy, and a fruitful life of love and service, all sourced in Christ. This is not passive quietism—it is active dependence. To borrow from Watchman Nee, “The Christian life is not a changed life, but an exchanged life.”
So I thank BB Warfield for his engagement with these movements and his commitment to doctrinal fidelity. I hope this brief response offers clarity from one who embraces the victorious life not as a doctrine of perfectionism, but as a daily yielding to the perfect One who indwells us.
With appreciation and shared desire for Christ to be exalted,