Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "being perfect" in the Bible is a profound and multifaceted theme that encompasses spiritual maturity, moral integrity, and completeness in one's relationship with God. The term "perfect" in the biblical context often translates from the Hebrew word "tamim" and the Greek word "teleios," both of which convey the idea of wholeness, maturity, and blamelessness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the call to perfection is often associated with wholehearted devotion to God. For instance, in Genesis 17:1, God commands Abram, "I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless." Here, "blameless" is synonymous with being perfect, indicating a life of integrity and faithfulness to God's covenant. The book of Deuteronomy also emphasizes this theme. Deuteronomy 18:13 states, "You must be blameless before the LORD your God." This call to blamelessness is a call to live in complete obedience and loyalty to God, rejecting idolatry and adhering to His commandments. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus Christ elevates the call to perfection in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:48, He instructs His followers, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This command underscores the pursuit of holiness and love that reflects the character of God. The perfection Jesus speaks of is not merely external compliance but an internal transformation that aligns one's heart with God's will. The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of perfection in his epistles. In Philippians 3:12-15, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on toward the goal. He writes, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Here, perfection is seen as a continual process of growth and sanctification in the Christian life. Theological Implications Theologically, being perfect is understood as a process of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. This process is empowered by the Holy Spirit and involves both divine initiative and human responsibility. While ultimate perfection is realized in the eschatological future, believers are called to strive for holiness in their present lives. The concept of perfection also highlights the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This verse underscores that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are positionally perfect before God, even as they are being made perfect in their daily walk. Practical Application Practically, the call to be perfect challenges Christians to pursue a life of holiness, love, and obedience. It involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. It also calls for a life of ethical integrity, reflecting God's love and righteousness in all relationships and actions. In summary, being perfect in the biblical sense is not about achieving flawlessness but about growing in maturity and completeness in Christ. It is a dynamic journey of faith, empowered by God's grace, and marked by a deepening relationship with Him. Topical Bible Verses 1 John 4:18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. Topicalbible.org Matthew 5:48 Philippians 3:15 Colossians 1:23 Greek 53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred ... even within (even down to the center of one's being); not with ... the same as hagios; properly, clean, ie (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect -- chaste, clean ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/53.htm - 7k 4265. problepo -- to foresee 1492. eido -- be aware, behold, consider, perceive Strong's Hebrew 7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace... 3), perfect peace (1), prosperity (3), rose (1), safe (2), safely (7), safety (6), secure (1), state (1), trusted (1), welfare (14), well (17), well-being (5 ... /hebrew/7965.htm - 6k Library But this Only Son of God, the Father Almighty... Happiness Deriving from Perfect Uniformity. What is Hierarchy? and what the Use of Hierarchy? Christian Perfection Morgan -- the Perfect Ideal of Life The Crossing of the Jordan The Communion of Saints. Christ --Perfect through Sufferings Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses. Removing the Veil Resources What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.org How can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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