The controversial subject of Biblical perfection is probably misunderstood more than any other topic in the Bible. When regarding the fact that words such as perfect, perfection, perfecting, and perfected are used 120 times in the Bible this subject raises many eyebrows. What’s misunderstood is that people feel they can change themselves morally and/or gradually without the power of Christ or accountability to God. This has led many away from imputed righteousness and truth concerning Biblical perfection. Many verses in the Bible concerning perfection are frequently misused and wrenched out of proper context. The reason for misuse in most cases is simply a means to justify sin or wrongdoing in the personal life. Bible language concerning perfection is often dodged because it points the fact that Christians can and should live without sin. Very few teachings will agree to the fact that Christians can live without sin. People naturally believe living without sin is impossible but, both the Spirit of God and the language of the New Testament prove this lifestyle as… the sacred theme of the Bible.
Often statements are made such as, “Christians are not perfect”, “I’m striving to be perfect”, or “I’m growing into maturity”. These statements are out of scriptural context and totally unbiblical. Nowhere in the Holy Scriptures are these statements confirmed. Nowhere is the word imperfection found within the contents of the Bible. Only the opposite is true. The word perfect in Greek teleios relates to the changed moral character of man as a result of the power of God. Teleios is defined: of full age…complete …and completeness. The Greek text indicates Christians are complete or of full age at the new birth when they become a child of God by trusting Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Adam the first man was created in a divine image. So likewise is a penitent sinner that accepts Christ as Savior and redeemer.
To say a Christian cannot be perfect denies all New Testament truth concerning the work of the Spirit in the heart and life of a believer. The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are perfect in Christ which simply means…made complete by the Spirit in love, holiness, and obedience to God.
· 1 Cor 2:6…Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:
· Col 1:27-28…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
· Col 2:10…and ye are complete in him, which is the head
Biblical Perfection deals with the changed moral make-up in man by the operation of God. It’s the perfect work of God’s righteousness imputed to the heart of a believer at the new birth. When a penitent sinner makes confession to God for all past sins; he believes with his heart that Christ is God; the mind, soul, and strength are regenerated with a holiness and righteousness given from God. Its God’s Grace that produces a changed being and new nature. By the power of God unregenerate man can be morally restored to a right, holy, and obedient state of being. God’s perfection enables any believer to live without sin and to stay right with a consciousness of His Divine presence at all times.
· Phil 1:6…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
· Phil 2:13…For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
· Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.
The moral make-up of a natural man is sinful, unholy, and disobedient to God.
The moral make-up of a believer in Christ is righteous, holy and obedient to God.
When man is saved by Grace he becomes a new creature in Christ. This new creation is created with a divine nature in the image of Christ. The moral state and nature of man are changed by the power of God. Only a Divine act of God changes the moral make-up of a sinful man and this operation is not a gradual process. It is an instantaneous and perfect work of the Spirit which comes through regeneration in the new birth.
· 2 Cor 5:17…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
· Titus 3:5…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
· 2 Peter 1:4…ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
Man cannot achieve, advance, or work toward a God given state of holiness. God’s holiness is only imputed to the heart of man through trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Regeneration of the Spirit creates a holy heart and gives man an ability to live right. How? A believers desire to commit sin is taken away by the Spirit of God through faith in Calvary. The Holy Spirit gives the believer a new desire to stop sinning. Biblical perfection thus becomes reality through a believer’s holy conduct in the sight of God. Holiness is experienced not only beyond the grave on the other side, but now in this side of life by walking in the Spirit. Holy conduct was purposed by God in the body of Christ to present all members perfect… in love, holiness, and obedience.
· Heb 12:23…To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect…
· Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.
· Col 1:27-28…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
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