Topical Encyclopedia The term "perfected" in the biblical context often refers to the process of being made complete or mature, particularly in spiritual or moral terms. This concept is rooted in the understanding of God's work in believers, bringing them to a state of spiritual maturity and holiness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of perfection is often associated with completeness or wholeness. The Hebrew word "tamim" is frequently used to describe something that is whole or without blemish. For example, in the sacrificial system, offerings were required to be "without defect" (Leviticus 22:21). This concept extends to the moral and spiritual life of individuals, as seen in Genesis 17:1, where God commands Abram, "Walk before Me and be blameless." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "teleios" is often translated as "perfect" or "mature." This term conveys the idea of reaching an intended end or purpose. Jesus uses this term in Matthew 5:48, saying, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" . Here, perfection is linked to the completeness of love and moral integrity, reflecting God's character. The Epistle to the Hebrews frequently discusses the concept of perfection in relation to Christ's priesthood and the new covenant. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" . This verse highlights the sufficiency and completeness of Christ's sacrifice, which brings believers into a perfected state before God. Spiritual Maturity The Apostle Paul often speaks of perfection in terms of spiritual maturity. In Philippians 3:12-15, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on toward the goal. He encourages believers to adopt the same mindset, striving for maturity in their faith. Similarly, in Colossians 1:28, Paul expresses his desire to "present everyone perfect in Christ" , indicating the goal of spiritual growth and maturity. Sanctification and Perfection The process of being perfected is closely tied to sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. This process involves growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ. James 1:4 encourages believers to let perseverance finish its work so that they may be "mature and complete, lacking nothing" . This verse underscores the idea that trials and perseverance contribute to spiritual perfection. Eschatological Perfection The ultimate perfection of believers is eschatological, meaning it will be fully realized in the future. 1 John 3:2 states, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is" . This future transformation reflects the complete perfection that believers will experience in the presence of Christ. In summary, the biblical concept of being perfected encompasses the ideas of spiritual maturity, moral integrity, and the ultimate completion of God's work in believers through Christ. It is both a present reality and a future hope, grounded in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Perfect.Greek 5048. teleioo -- to bring to an end, to complete, perfect ... Definition: (a) as a course, a race, or the like: I complete, finish (b) as of time or prediction: I accomplish, (c) I make perfect; pass: I am perfected. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5048.htm - 9k 2851. kolasis -- correction 2005. epiteleo -- to complete, accomplish 5055. teleo -- to bring to an end, complete, fulfill Strong's Hebrew 3634. kalal -- to complete, perfect... 3633, 3634. kalal. 3635 . to complete, perfect. Transliteration: kalal Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-lal') Short Definition: perfected. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/3634.htm - 5k 724. arukah -- healing, restoration 1587. Gemaryah -- "Yah has accomplished," two Israelites 8003. shalem -- complete, safe, at peace Library That Righteousness is Never Perfected in this Life. July 17. "By one Offering He Hath Perfected Forever them that are ... How the Image of God in the Mind is Renewed Until the Likeness of ... John is Rather to be Understood of Our Perfect Likeness with the ... Concerning Things Performed in the Muron, and Concerning Things ... Soul and Body Conceived, Formed and Perfected in Element ... The Mother Achamoth, when all Her Seed are Perfected, Shall Pass ... Despite the Devil, Man May, by God's Help, be Perfected. When Our Heart May be Said not to Reproach Us; when Good is to be ... The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. Thesaurus Perfected (25 Occurrences)...Perfected (25 Occurrences). ... Did you never read,'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing babies you have perfected praise?'" (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). ... /p/perfected.htm - 13k Perfection (30 Occurrences) Perfect (205 Occurrences) Forever (426 Occurrences) Anthropomorphism Appeal (30 Occurrences) Messiah (9 Occurrences) Yes (511 Occurrences) Yea (867 Occurrences) Valorous (1 Occurrence) Resources What was the tent of meeting? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome my fear of the end of days? | GotQuestions.org To what extent should we strive to be like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Perfected: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Perfected (25 Occurrences)Matthew 21:16 Luke 6:40 Luke 13:32 John 17:23 1 Corinthians 1:10 2 Corinthians 12:9 2 Corinthians 13:11 Galatians 3:3 Philippians 3:12 Hebrews 5:9 Hebrews 7:19 Hebrews 7:28 Hebrews 10:14 James 1:15 James 2:22 1 John 2:5 1 John 4:12 1 John 4:17 1 John 4:18 Revelation 3:2 2 Chronicles 8:16 2 Chronicles 24:13 Psalms 64:6 Ezekiel 27:4 Ezekiel 27:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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