The word perfect is to be examined closely in this text. Applicable today.
Corinthians 2:6,7...Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory
Strong's Concordance
teleios: having reached its end, i.e. complete, by ext. perfect
Original Word: τέλειος, α, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: teleios
Phonetic Spelling: (tel'-i-os)
Short Definition: perfect, full-grown
Definition: perfect, (a) complete in all its parts, (b) full grown, of full age, (c) specially of the completeness of Christian character.
HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 5046 téleios (an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e. developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056 (telos).
Showing posts with label Perfection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perfection. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Christian Perfection
The words perfect, perfection, and perfectly are use 112 times in the Bible. Christian perfection deals with love for God and love for humanity. Anything God does is a perfect work.
What the Bible teaches about going on to perfection
Those who are perfect
Why perfection (pt. 1)
Why perfection (pt. 2)
Spirits of just men made perfect
Perfect, complete, and completed work of God
The Church is perfect
The way of God more perfectly
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The way of God more perfectly
Acts 18:25...This man (Apollos) was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"
Apollos was an Apostle sent by Christ like the Apostle Paul. Apollos was an Apostle but knew Christ only by the Baptism of John. Apollos was a Christ fearing man, recognized Christ as the earthly Messiah, and fervent in the Spirit. Apollos was limited in knowledge concerning the Grace of God because he knew only the Kingdom message that was presented to Israel during the ministry of our Lord.
Aquila and Priscilla were a Jewish couple under the ministry of the Apostle Paul...who were enlightened to power of God's Grace that came after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla were living under Grace and the preaching the power of a resurrected Christ... rather than the man Christ who came to restore Israel with the promised Kingdom on Earth.
Acts 18:26...whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"
To understand the way of God more perfectly one must first understand the ministry of John the Baptist which is what Apollos was enlightened to...19 years prior to Acts 18. John the Baptist baptized with water and preached the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand as he prepared the way for the Messiah. John's preaching and baptism ministered repentance and remission of sins to backslidden Israel. John's baptism allowed backslidden Israel to repent and be forgiven for erring from the laws of the Torah. The keeping of Law made the heart clean and holy. The holiness of keeping Law allowed faithful Israel to recognize the Messiahship of Christ. Divine Law was God's way of ministering holiness to Israel . John's baptism allowed penitent Israel to worship Christ as the Promised Messiah. The Kingdom of Heaven preached by John, Jesus, the 12 disciples, and the 70 disciples... related directly to an earthly and physical Kingdom that was promised to be established in Jerusalem. John's ministry pointed to Israel and how the Messiah, Jesus Christ would rule on the throne of His father David according to Old Testament prophecy. The Kingdom message was presented to Israel...and thus was tragically rejected by Israel in the 3 1/2 years of John's and Christ's ministry.
Apollos was only enlightened to the Kingdom Message...not the message of the Gospel of the Grace of God we preach today. The Gospel of the Grace of God is based on the power of a resurrected Christ...not the earthly ministry of Christ. This unlimited Gospel commissioned by a resurrected Christ to both Jew and Gentile was one of power from Heaven. It was a Gospel that came after the death of a Savior. It was a Gospel that offers the power of Salvation from a crucified, resurrected, and exalted Christ. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost flows from Heaven and unites with the hearts of believing men and women. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost forgives sins because of what Christ did not sacrifice made to a priest. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost makes man a new creation in Christ. It is a Gospel that allows Christ to baptize the hearts of saved men from the Throneroom. It was a Gospel that offered Apollos the way of God more perfectly. A greater blessing than the blessing of John's Baptism. A blessing where Christ is exalted in Heaven today and baptizing men with the Holy Ghost and fire...as spoken by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:11...I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
The way to God more perfectly was revealed to Apollos who convinced Jews that Jesus was Christ. The way of God more perfectly came from making distinction between the ministry of Christ on Earth, and the ministry of the Spirit from a resurrected Christ. A distinction was made between perfect Law given to Israel, and more perfect Grace given to both Jews and Gentiles in the Church, the body of Christ. The way of God more perfectly took Apollos beyond the 4 Gospels which taught basically the Law... to and exalted Christ in power "now" in the Throneroom. More perfectly relates to the power that flows from the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ in the Throneroom. It's perfect work offers saving power and holiness to the believing heart. It is power revealed...it is power accepted...it is power recognized in the person of Christ today. Glory! A new covenant greater than the covenant of Law. Something more perfect that comes from a perfect Christ...exalted in the Throneroom...NOW!
Divine Grace was taught in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 18, 19... 19 years after John's baptism and the death of Christ. Grace touched Apollos who found the way of God more perfectly, 19 years after John's Baptism. Grace was also the Apostle Paul's life and ministry who tutored Aquila and Priscilla who in turn expounded to Apollos the way of God more perfectly.
Acts 18:25...This man (Apollos) was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"
Apollos was an Apostle sent by Christ like the Apostle Paul. Apollos was an Apostle but knew Christ only by the Baptism of John. Apollos was a Christ fearing man, recognized Christ as the earthly Messiah, and fervent in the Spirit. Apollos was limited in knowledge concerning the Grace of God because he knew only the Kingdom message that was presented to Israel during the ministry of our Lord.
Aquila and Priscilla were a Jewish couple under the ministry of the Apostle Paul...who were enlightened to power of God's Grace that came after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla were living under Grace and the preaching the power of a resurrected Christ... rather than the man Christ who came to restore Israel with the promised Kingdom on Earth.
Acts 18:26...whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"
To understand the way of God more perfectly one must first understand the ministry of John the Baptist which is what Apollos was enlightened to...19 years prior to Acts 18. John the Baptist baptized with water and preached the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand as he prepared the way for the Messiah. John's preaching and baptism ministered repentance and remission of sins to backslidden Israel. John's baptism allowed backslidden Israel to repent and be forgiven for erring from the laws of the Torah. The keeping of Law made the heart clean and holy. The holiness of keeping Law allowed faithful Israel to recognize the Messiahship of Christ. Divine Law was God's way of ministering holiness to Israel . John's baptism allowed penitent Israel to worship Christ as the Promised Messiah. The Kingdom of Heaven preached by John, Jesus, the 12 disciples, and the 70 disciples... related directly to an earthly and physical Kingdom that was promised to be established in Jerusalem. John's ministry pointed to Israel and how the Messiah, Jesus Christ would rule on the throne of His father David according to Old Testament prophecy. The Kingdom message was presented to Israel...and thus was tragically rejected by Israel in the 3 1/2 years of John's and Christ's ministry.
Apollos was only enlightened to the Kingdom Message...not the message of the Gospel of the Grace of God we preach today. The Gospel of the Grace of God is based on the power of a resurrected Christ...not the earthly ministry of Christ. This unlimited Gospel commissioned by a resurrected Christ to both Jew and Gentile was one of power from Heaven. It was a Gospel that came after the death of a Savior. It was a Gospel that offers the power of Salvation from a crucified, resurrected, and exalted Christ. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost flows from Heaven and unites with the hearts of believing men and women. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost forgives sins because of what Christ did not sacrifice made to a priest. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost makes man a new creation in Christ. It is a Gospel that allows Christ to baptize the hearts of saved men from the Throneroom. It was a Gospel that offered Apollos the way of God more perfectly. A greater blessing than the blessing of John's Baptism. A blessing where Christ is exalted in Heaven today and baptizing men with the Holy Ghost and fire...as spoken by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:11...I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
The way to God more perfectly was revealed to Apollos who convinced Jews that Jesus was Christ. The way of God more perfectly came from making distinction between the ministry of Christ on Earth, and the ministry of the Spirit from a resurrected Christ. A distinction was made between perfect Law given to Israel, and more perfect Grace given to both Jews and Gentiles in the Church, the body of Christ. The way of God more perfectly took Apollos beyond the 4 Gospels which taught basically the Law... to and exalted Christ in power "now" in the Throneroom. More perfectly relates to the power that flows from the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ in the Throneroom. It's perfect work offers saving power and holiness to the believing heart. It is power revealed...it is power accepted...it is power recognized in the person of Christ today. Glory! A new covenant greater than the covenant of Law. Something more perfect that comes from a perfect Christ...exalted in the Throneroom...NOW!
Divine Grace was taught in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 18, 19... 19 years after John's baptism and the death of Christ. Grace touched Apollos who found the way of God more perfectly, 19 years after John's Baptism. Grace was also the Apostle Paul's life and ministry who tutored Aquila and Priscilla who in turn expounded to Apollos the way of God more perfectly.
Acts 18:25...This man (Apollos) was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Why perfection in the Bible? (pt.#2)
After the new birth is experienced a conflict begins between the carnal and the divine natures. This conflict arises between a newfound state of holiness and the selfish old nature of man that has always gone its own way. As the Holy Spirit reveals the person and presence of Christ to the human conscience the Old man is exposed to the delivering power of the Holy Spirit. This enlightenment shows man what he really is in the presence of a Savior. This enlightenment becomes man’s path to end the conflict or struggle within. Through the perfect work of the Holy Spirit all believers in Christ are led to the crucifixion of self which is the human side of Sanctification.
• Gal 5:24…And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
• Rom 6:6… Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him
• Rom 6:7…For he that is dead is freed from sin.
As the revelation of Calvary is made known in the heart of a believer death to self is also made known through the Holy Spirit’s presence. When the Old Man is finally put to death, the body of sin can be destroyed through the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The word, destroy in the Greek katargeo means: to put away…at one stroke which implies an instantaneous act of the Spirit of God and deals particularly with the carnal nature of man.
• Rom 6:6…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
• Col 2:11…in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
• Gal 5:24-25… And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
This Baptism which follows the new birth cleanses and purifies the hearts desire from the old life, the old ways, and the old habits. The cleansing work of the Holy Spirit destroys the body of sin and is not a progressive work. It’s an instantaneous and perfect work of God’s purity and holiness. It deals specifically with the inherited carnal nature that conflicts with the Divine nature received at the new birth.
• James 4:8…purify your hearts, ye double minded
• Acts 15:8-9…giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
• 2 Cor 7:1…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
After the Old Man is crucified the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire instantaneously purges the heart from the inherited root of sin. This allows the Holy Spirit to take full possession of mans being and thus eliminates double mindedness. This perfect work of the Holy Spirit and fire is freedom from the conflicting bondage of a carnal nature. This Divine operation of the Holy Spirit is called, “Entire Sanctification”.
• 1 Thess 5:23-24…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly (entire); and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
• James 1:4…that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
• Rom 8:3-4…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
Why is perfection taught in the Bible? The purpose of God’s perfection is to fully equip the child of God with everything needed to go to heaven but perfection also helps the child of God to stand against sin, temptation, or the problems of life. The blessing of perfection builds a believer’s assurance in God. How? After the moral make-up is changed man becomes more dependent on God for all his needs. Dependency enables the believer to deal better with many of the outer circumstances of life. The Greek word katartizo deals with another side of perfection which is not just the changed moral make-up of man. In this context, it equips the saints and makes them thoroughly complete to stand strong against outside problems or various circumstances of life. Confidence and total trust in Christ is developed through God’s perfection.
A Christian’s growth has no relation to spiritual maturity or the process of maturing gradually into salvation, but rather deals with growing in the Grace and knowledge of Christ. Maturity was never mentioned in the Bible or the Greek text. Growth relates to faith and knowledge, which can increase throughout the life of a believing Christian. Granted, a Christian can be a babe, a son, a young man, or a father but he is still a Christian. The stages of a Christian life can vary concerning knowledge, but will never vary concerning salvation of the soul. There is no greater or less of a child of God. A child of God is a new creature created in holiness at the new birth. A sinner does not grow gradually into God’s holiness. Forgiveness is received by trusting in the death of Christ alone and man is made perfect by God’s workmanship through an instantaneous work of salvation. Teleios…Greek for perfect means…of full age. Growth is not implied here.
• 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,
• Eph 2:10…for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
A believer in Christ cannot gradually be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible proves that filling is an instantaneous work through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. On the Day of Pentecost the baptism in the Upper Room was an instantaneous filling in the hearts of those believers who were already saved. Likewise today this same baptism fills the believer’s heart when one is emptied of self … instantaneously. Nowhere in the Bible does the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire imply a progressive Sanctification.
Sanctification, Baptism, Holiness, and Perfection one in the same, are all Biblical terms used to describe the operation of God’s Grace in the heart and life of a believer. Perfection is a complete work of heart purity performed by God and not the process of spiritual maturity performed by man. Contrary to many teachings perfection will always be the true and holy language of New Testament and should be carried out in the life of the believer. Why? God’s perfection is the only way man can find satisfaction in Christ. Perfection is the only way contentment is provided for the children of God. Only the perfect work of the Spirit God endues men with power from above and makes them effective witnesses for Christ. Biblical perfection is… the fullness of God’s blessing in the life of a believer.
• God, who is perfect, created a perfect church in order to morally change the make-up of unholy man to holy. This Divine act of perfection produces holiness, righteousness, and obedience in the moral character of man. It is imputed to the soul through the Spirit of God. The fruit of Biblical perfection is love for God and love for humanity.
• Gal 5:24…And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
• Rom 6:6… Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him
• Rom 6:7…For he that is dead is freed from sin.
As the revelation of Calvary is made known in the heart of a believer death to self is also made known through the Holy Spirit’s presence. When the Old Man is finally put to death, the body of sin can be destroyed through the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The word, destroy in the Greek katargeo means: to put away…at one stroke which implies an instantaneous act of the Spirit of God and deals particularly with the carnal nature of man.
• Rom 6:6…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
• Col 2:11…in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
• Gal 5:24-25… And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
This Baptism which follows the new birth cleanses and purifies the hearts desire from the old life, the old ways, and the old habits. The cleansing work of the Holy Spirit destroys the body of sin and is not a progressive work. It’s an instantaneous and perfect work of God’s purity and holiness. It deals specifically with the inherited carnal nature that conflicts with the Divine nature received at the new birth.
• James 4:8…purify your hearts, ye double minded
• Acts 15:8-9…giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
• 2 Cor 7:1…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
After the Old Man is crucified the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire instantaneously purges the heart from the inherited root of sin. This allows the Holy Spirit to take full possession of mans being and thus eliminates double mindedness. This perfect work of the Holy Spirit and fire is freedom from the conflicting bondage of a carnal nature. This Divine operation of the Holy Spirit is called, “Entire Sanctification”.
• 1 Thess 5:23-24…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly (entire); and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
• James 1:4…that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
• Rom 8:3-4…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
Why is perfection taught in the Bible? The purpose of God’s perfection is to fully equip the child of God with everything needed to go to heaven but perfection also helps the child of God to stand against sin, temptation, or the problems of life. The blessing of perfection builds a believer’s assurance in God. How? After the moral make-up is changed man becomes more dependent on God for all his needs. Dependency enables the believer to deal better with many of the outer circumstances of life. The Greek word katartizo deals with another side of perfection which is not just the changed moral make-up of man. In this context, it equips the saints and makes them thoroughly complete to stand strong against outside problems or various circumstances of life. Confidence and total trust in Christ is developed through God’s perfection.
A Christian’s growth has no relation to spiritual maturity or the process of maturing gradually into salvation, but rather deals with growing in the Grace and knowledge of Christ. Maturity was never mentioned in the Bible or the Greek text. Growth relates to faith and knowledge, which can increase throughout the life of a believing Christian. Granted, a Christian can be a babe, a son, a young man, or a father but he is still a Christian. The stages of a Christian life can vary concerning knowledge, but will never vary concerning salvation of the soul. There is no greater or less of a child of God. A child of God is a new creature created in holiness at the new birth. A sinner does not grow gradually into God’s holiness. Forgiveness is received by trusting in the death of Christ alone and man is made perfect by God’s workmanship through an instantaneous work of salvation. Teleios…Greek for perfect means…of full age. Growth is not implied here.
• 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,
• Eph 2:10…for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
A believer in Christ cannot gradually be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible proves that filling is an instantaneous work through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. On the Day of Pentecost the baptism in the Upper Room was an instantaneous filling in the hearts of those believers who were already saved. Likewise today this same baptism fills the believer’s heart when one is emptied of self … instantaneously. Nowhere in the Bible does the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire imply a progressive Sanctification.
Sanctification, Baptism, Holiness, and Perfection one in the same, are all Biblical terms used to describe the operation of God’s Grace in the heart and life of a believer. Perfection is a complete work of heart purity performed by God and not the process of spiritual maturity performed by man. Contrary to many teachings perfection will always be the true and holy language of New Testament and should be carried out in the life of the believer. Why? God’s perfection is the only way man can find satisfaction in Christ. Perfection is the only way contentment is provided for the children of God. Only the perfect work of the Spirit God endues men with power from above and makes them effective witnesses for Christ. Biblical perfection is… the fullness of God’s blessing in the life of a believer.
• God, who is perfect, created a perfect church in order to morally change the make-up of unholy man to holy. This Divine act of perfection produces holiness, righteousness, and obedience in the moral character of man. It is imputed to the soul through the Spirit of God. The fruit of Biblical perfection is love for God and love for humanity.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Why perfection in the Bible?
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What is the spirit of a "just man" made perfect?
The question and title of this Blog are taken from the verse below..
Heb 12:22-23...But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 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,
What is the spirit of a just man? How is a just man made perfect? Is perfection present tense or future? Who are the just? The Bible teaches the just shall live by faith! A justified man is a man pardoned by the Grace of God. A just man has received the righteousness of God by faith in Christ. A just man is "right" in the sight of God because God declared him right.
Justification is a God given state that makes the soul of man eligible to receive Heaven at the point of death to the physical body. That's why Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise." The spirits of just men go directly to Heaven at the point of death. Why? These souls are justified and declared innocent in the eyes of God. God's redemption allowed the just man to be eligible for Eternal life in Heaven. These believers in Christ have peace, contentment, and hope in this present life. The guilt of sin has been lifted from that conscience and personal forgiveness has been granted to that soul because of trust in the sacrifice of Christ alone for forgiveness of sins.
Spirit's of just men can be made perfect in this life. Perfection is not a state that is only reached in Heaven's future tense. Perfection is another state the justified believer can obtain in this present life. Present tense perfection is obtained when the believing heart is sanctified from Indwelling sin. Some people try to make the following verse future tense - as they do not acknowledge the perfect work of God's sanctifying power in this present life. Justification (present tense) makes the believer eligible to receive Heaven when the body dies. Sanctification (present tense) is the perfect work of God's Holy Spirit that follows Justification! Both can be obtained in life - this side of Heaven!
Heb 12:22-23...But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 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,
What is the spirit of a just man? How is a just man made perfect? Is perfection present tense or future? Who are the just? The Bible teaches the just shall live by faith! A justified man is a man pardoned by the Grace of God. A just man has received the righteousness of God by faith in Christ. A just man is "right" in the sight of God because God declared him right.
Justification is a God given state that makes the soul of man eligible to receive Heaven at the point of death to the physical body. That's why Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise." The spirits of just men go directly to Heaven at the point of death. Why? These souls are justified and declared innocent in the eyes of God. God's redemption allowed the just man to be eligible for Eternal life in Heaven. These believers in Christ have peace, contentment, and hope in this present life. The guilt of sin has been lifted from that conscience and personal forgiveness has been granted to that soul because of trust in the sacrifice of Christ alone for forgiveness of sins.
Spirit's of just men can be made perfect in this life. Perfection is not a state that is only reached in Heaven's future tense. Perfection is another state the justified believer can obtain in this present life. Present tense perfection is obtained when the believing heart is sanctified from Indwelling sin. Some people try to make the following verse future tense - as they do not acknowledge the perfect work of God's sanctifying power in this present life. Justification (present tense) makes the believer eligible to receive Heaven when the body dies. Sanctification (present tense) is the perfect work of God's Holy Spirit that follows Justification! Both can be obtained in life - this side of Heaven!
Additional note:
The Greek text of the Bible says," the spirits of perfected just men"...putting perfection in the present tense.
Justification makes men eligible to be made perfect. In perfection God's sanctifying power rids the justified man of the Adamic life.
Justification gives man a holy heart. Holiness of heart allows man to be "sanctified" or "perfected"...in this present life after Justification is experienced.
Justification permits the initial work of the Holy Spirit in salvation and prepares the heart for the final work of Spirit that comes in sanctification or perfection...
Justification (a complete work) deals with the acts of sin
Sanctification removes the Adamic Nature
Perfection is the completed work of the Spirit in this life.
The Greek text of the Bible says," the spirits of perfected just men"...putting perfection in the present tense.
Justification makes men eligible to be made perfect. In perfection God's sanctifying power rids the justified man of the Adamic life.
Justification gives man a holy heart. Holiness of heart allows man to be "sanctified" or "perfected"...in this present life after Justification is experienced.
Justification permits the initial work of the Holy Spirit in salvation and prepares the heart for the final work of Spirit that comes in sanctification or perfection...
Justification (a complete work) deals with the acts of sin
Sanctification removes the Adamic Nature
Perfection is the completed work of the Spirit in this life.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What the Bible teaches about going on to Perfection...
The New Testament in the Book of Hebrews instructs the Church (or those who have tasted Divine Grace) to "leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ" and go on unto perfection.
What were the principles of the doctrine of Christ? What is going on to perfection? Here are a few examples.
Jesus was circumcised the eight day according to Law.
Jesus taught the Law of Moses and had to teach the Law... or sin against God.
Jesus was 30 years old before He first taught in the Temple...according to the Law.
Jesus was baptized of John (a Levite) at the age of thirty according to Law.
Jesus in His great Sermon on the Mount was the best example I know of in the Bible that teaches the holiness of the Torah (The Law of Moses). Matthew chapters 5-7. When Jesus healed the leper...after that miraculous healing Jesus instructed the leper to go and do as Moses commanded which was offering sacrifice to God according to Law.
The teachings of Christ were "all" under the Law...and remember the Holy Spirit had not been given nor had the Church, the spiritual body of Christ been birthed. There is a vast distinction between what Jesus taught...and what the Apostles taught after the death of Christ...in the Grace Dispensation that we "the Church" now live under. That's why the Apostle called the Grace Covenant the "fullness of times". All of Jesus' teachings were directly related to to teaching Law to the lost sheep of Israel. Law given to Israel was the"principles" of the teachings of Christ. Perfection is getting into the Grace covenant where refuge and security is found in the Church, the spirtual body of Christ. The is Church is where Christ is the head of many members. The Holy Spirits presence governs that body and changes the moral make-up of fallen man when he becomes a member of the body of Christ.
The teachings of the Law were given to Israel only. Jesus came to His own (Israel) and they received him not. John 1:11 Jesus taught the holiness of the Law and it convicted some to an acceptance of His Messiahship ...but He had not been glorified yet! Jesus had to teach the Law or sin against God. The Church had not been birthed, nor had the Grace Covenant came into existence...nor had the omnipresence of the Spirit in the Church came to pass as it is under Grace. Perfection under the New Testament had not yet come into play during Christ's earthly ministry "under Law".
The following passage from the Hebrew letter teaches to "leave" these principles of the doctrine of Christ and go on to perfection.
Hebrews 6:1... Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
Perfection is a product of the Grace of God given to man because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary and the ongoing work He does from the Throneroom. Perfection is the ministry of the Holy Spirit that ministers to the human soul because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary. Christians are God's workmanship "created" in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:8-10 The Apostle instructs the Church (Jew and Gentile) to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ which was the teaching of the Law (to Israel only) as well as keeping the commandments. Jesus' earthly ministry (His teaching and doctrine of the Law) Mat. 10:5-6 strictly forbade the disciples to go the Gentiles or the Samaritans...but rather to go to the lost sheep of Israel.
Perfection from the Grace of God is getting away from ordinances, principles, and commandments that were demanded under the Law of Moses. Perfection was getting away from "dead works". Perfection was not "keeping the righteousness of the Law". Perfection is having the righteousness of the Law "fulfilled in us".
Rom 8:3-4...For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be "fulfilled in us", who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Perfection is having the righteousness of the Law fulfilled..."in us". How? By the works of Christ within! Not the works of man without!
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 wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ;
What were the principles of the doctrine of Christ? What is going on to perfection? Here are a few examples.
Jesus was circumcised the eight day according to Law.
Jesus taught the Law of Moses and had to teach the Law... or sin against God.
Jesus was 30 years old before He first taught in the Temple...according to the Law.
Jesus was baptized of John (a Levite) at the age of thirty according to Law.
Jesus in His great Sermon on the Mount was the best example I know of in the Bible that teaches the holiness of the Torah (The Law of Moses). Matthew chapters 5-7. When Jesus healed the leper...after that miraculous healing Jesus instructed the leper to go and do as Moses commanded which was offering sacrifice to God according to Law.
The teachings of Christ were "all" under the Law...and remember the Holy Spirit had not been given nor had the Church, the spiritual body of Christ been birthed. There is a vast distinction between what Jesus taught...and what the Apostles taught after the death of Christ...in the Grace Dispensation that we "the Church" now live under. That's why the Apostle called the Grace Covenant the "fullness of times". All of Jesus' teachings were directly related to to teaching Law to the lost sheep of Israel. Law given to Israel was the"principles" of the teachings of Christ. Perfection is getting into the Grace covenant where refuge and security is found in the Church, the spirtual body of Christ. The is Church is where Christ is the head of many members. The Holy Spirits presence governs that body and changes the moral make-up of fallen man when he becomes a member of the body of Christ.
The teachings of the Law were given to Israel only. Jesus came to His own (Israel) and they received him not. John 1:11 Jesus taught the holiness of the Law and it convicted some to an acceptance of His Messiahship ...but He had not been glorified yet! Jesus had to teach the Law or sin against God. The Church had not been birthed, nor had the Grace Covenant came into existence...nor had the omnipresence of the Spirit in the Church came to pass as it is under Grace. Perfection under the New Testament had not yet come into play during Christ's earthly ministry "under Law".
The following passage from the Hebrew letter teaches to "leave" these principles of the doctrine of Christ and go on to perfection.
Hebrews 6:1... Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
Perfection is a product of the Grace of God given to man because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary and the ongoing work He does from the Throneroom. Perfection is the ministry of the Holy Spirit that ministers to the human soul because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary. Christians are God's workmanship "created" in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:8-10 The Apostle instructs the Church (Jew and Gentile) to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ which was the teaching of the Law (to Israel only) as well as keeping the commandments. Jesus' earthly ministry (His teaching and doctrine of the Law) Mat. 10:5-6 strictly forbade the disciples to go the Gentiles or the Samaritans...but rather to go to the lost sheep of Israel.
Perfection from the Grace of God is getting away from ordinances, principles, and commandments that were demanded under the Law of Moses. Perfection was getting away from "dead works". Perfection was not "keeping the righteousness of the Law". Perfection is having the righteousness of the Law "fulfilled in us".
Rom 8:3-4...For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be "fulfilled in us", who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Perfection is having the righteousness of the Law fulfilled..."in us". How? By the works of Christ within! Not the works of man without!
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 wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ;
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The surrendered life...given through the example of Brother Hubert Lindsey
No man would know more about the surrendered life than Brother Lindsey who was totally given to Christ in both word and deed. Hubert declared often, “God can use a sanctified man”. Hubert’s reasoning was the surrendered life of a believer was totally yielded to the Spirit of God. Hubert’s life of surrender was a man totally controlled by Christ. His selfishness from Adamic life was gone. His body and his actions in the physical were controlled by the Spirit of Christ. Before sanctification the old Hubert wanted to hang on to the things of the world. After sanctification the new Hubert let go. Hubert’s life of surrender proved there was no more conflict with the Old Hubert. Hubert always preached the Old Hubert was dead. He insisted the old life of Hubert Lindsey was buried. Hubert’s renewed life was a living sacrifice to Christ that brought forth fruit from the Holy Spirit and not from the flesh. Entire Sanctification allowed Brother Lindsey to stay unattached to the things of the world. Hubert’s personal plans, his personal interests, his personal habits, his personal ambitions, his personal family ties, and his appetite for the material things of the world…were gone. The surrendered life of Hubert Lindsey proved he was renewed by Spirit after he was entirely sanctified!
• Rom 12:1-2…I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In 2003 at Brother Lindsey’s memorial service in Newark Ohio, a certain testimony touched this writer. Christ was in it! There was young man that gave testimony on Hubert Lindsey’s behalf. He testified that in 1987 Hubert had been traveling, preaching, and promoting the Kingdom Series books. Hubert had stopped to preach in Florence, Ky. He was accommodated by the Dennigan family where he was given an invitation to preach at an Assembly of God Church in Florence, Ky. The pastor’s son’s name was Mike Dennigan Jr. He was very young at that time. The pastor who invited Hubert to stay in his home was Mike Dennigan Sr. During Hubert’s stay with the Dennigan’s, all young Mike Dennigan could do was talk about was a new bicycle. Hubert preached that weekend but when he was departing he made a point to give young Mike Dennigan a new bicycle. The bicycle and Hubert’s deed of giving stuck with young Mike Dennigan’s heart all those years. Mike’s testimony at the Memorial service for Brother Lindsey touched this writer. Hubert was a very kind individual but from a monetary standpoint had very little to give… but he gave! That godly gesture was a witness for Christ to young Mike Dennigan’s heart for life!
Mike’s testimony about Brother Lindsey was a witness for Christ that stuck with this writer’s heart! Hubert’s kindness and compassion for the boy was fruit from the Holy Spirit’s witness. The surrendered life of Hubert Lindsey allowed Christ to manifest through Hubert’s action which continued on through young Mike Dennigan’s testimony. The affects from those works continue on the pages of this biography.
• Rev 14:13…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
• Rom 12:1-2…I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In 2003 at Brother Lindsey’s memorial service in Newark Ohio, a certain testimony touched this writer. Christ was in it! There was young man that gave testimony on Hubert Lindsey’s behalf. He testified that in 1987 Hubert had been traveling, preaching, and promoting the Kingdom Series books. Hubert had stopped to preach in Florence, Ky. He was accommodated by the Dennigan family where he was given an invitation to preach at an Assembly of God Church in Florence, Ky. The pastor’s son’s name was Mike Dennigan Jr. He was very young at that time. The pastor who invited Hubert to stay in his home was Mike Dennigan Sr. During Hubert’s stay with the Dennigan’s, all young Mike Dennigan could do was talk about was a new bicycle. Hubert preached that weekend but when he was departing he made a point to give young Mike Dennigan a new bicycle. The bicycle and Hubert’s deed of giving stuck with young Mike Dennigan’s heart all those years. Mike’s testimony at the Memorial service for Brother Lindsey touched this writer. Hubert was a very kind individual but from a monetary standpoint had very little to give… but he gave! That godly gesture was a witness for Christ to young Mike Dennigan’s heart for life!
Mike’s testimony about Brother Lindsey was a witness for Christ that stuck with this writer’s heart! Hubert’s kindness and compassion for the boy was fruit from the Holy Spirit’s witness. The surrendered life of Hubert Lindsey allowed Christ to manifest through Hubert’s action which continued on through young Mike Dennigan’s testimony. The affects from those works continue on the pages of this biography.
• Rev 14:13…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The perfect, complete, and completed work of Salvation… defined in the Greek text of the Bible
Both Experiences in Salvation by Grace are Biblically proven to be received “at one stroke” or “instantaneously” through the Sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost:
· The new birth, regeneration: a complete work of purity in the heart of a penitent sinner; forgiveness of sins at the new birth through Justification; where holiness begins
· Baptism with the Holy Ghost: a completed and entire work of purity after the new birth within the heart of a believer; deliverance from a sinful nature and its conflicts…Sanctifying power of the Spirit after Justification; where holiness is perfected
· The new birth, regeneration: a complete work of purity in the heart of a penitent sinner; forgiveness of sins at the new birth through Justification; where holiness begins
· Baptism with the Holy Ghost: a completed and entire work of purity after the new birth within the heart of a believer; deliverance from a sinful nature and its conflicts…Sanctifying power of the Spirit after Justification; where holiness is perfected
Bible and Greek text References:
Ephesians 4:12 -13...For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: perfect man
· teleios (tel'-i-os); from NT:5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with NT:3588) completeness:KJV - of full age, man, perfect.
Hebrew 13:21 ...Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; perfect work
· Katartizo (kat-ar-tid'-zo); from NT: 2596 and a derivative of NT: 739; to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: KJV - fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect (-ly join together), prepare, restore.
1 John 1:9... he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. cleanses
· katharizo (kath-ar-id'-zo); from NT:2513; to cleanse (literally or figuratively): KJV - (make) clean (-se), purge, purify.
2 Thess. 2:13 ...God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: sanctification, to sever
· hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-mos'); from NT:37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: KJV - holiness, sanctification, to sever, to cut away.
The three Greek terms used above teleios, katartizo, hagiasmos have no reference to the maturing process of a believer however; all do indicate the complete and perfect operation of the Spirit of God pertaining to an instantaneous Salvation of the human soul. Perfection is a complete and completed work of the Holy Ghost within the human soul at conviction, regeneration, and Entire Sanctification. The above terms simply apply to the unpopular doctrine of holiness that many people feel “cannot” be lived out in this present life. That theory is false and only the opposite is true. Holiness (recognition of Christ in the personal life) can be lived out presently and without Greek Text to prove such. This New Testament truth is confirmed by words such as perfect and complete.
The words perfect, perfected, and perfection are used 120 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Examine the King James Bible to see if these things be so. Now...do you see why this type of Biblical language puts the Churches on Trial?
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