Topical Encyclopedia The concept of perfection, particularly in the moral and spiritual sense, is a recurring theme in the Bible. While the Scriptures call believers to strive for holiness and righteousness, they also acknowledge the inherent limitations of human nature and the impossibility of achieving absolute perfection in this life.Human Nature and Sinfulness The Bible consistently affirms the fallen nature of humanity. In Romans 3:23, the Apostle Paul declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the universal condition of sin that affects every person, making the attainment of perfection impossible through human effort alone. The inherent sinfulness of mankind is further emphasized in Ecclesiastes 7:20, which states, "Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins." The Law and Its Limitations The Law, given through Moses, serves as a standard of righteousness but also highlights human inability to achieve perfection. In Galatians 3:24, Paul explains, "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The Law reveals sin and the need for a Savior, pointing to the insufficiency of human efforts to fulfill its demands perfectly. Christ's Perfection and Our Imperfection Jesus Christ is presented in the New Testament as the only perfect human, fully God and fully man, who lived a sinless life. Hebrews 4:15 affirms, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." Christ's perfection is the standard against which all humanity is measured, and it is through His righteousness that believers are justified. Sanctification: A Process, Not Perfection While believers are called to pursue holiness, the process of sanctification is ongoing and will not be completed in this life. Philippians 3:12-14 illustrates this journey: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Grace and Dependence on God The impossibility of attaining perfection highlights the necessity of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds believers, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This grace is not only for salvation but also for daily living, as believers depend on the Holy Spirit to grow in righteousness. The Hope of Future Perfection While perfection is unattainable in this life, the Bible promises that believers will be made perfect in the life to come. 1 John 3:2 offers this hope: "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 is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where believers will be conformed to the image of Christ in glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 6:36If they sin against you, (for there is no man which sins not,) and you be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives to a land far off or near; Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:96 Library The Unity of the Divine Essence, and the Trinity of Persons. Warning. Xystus. Whether the External Action Adds any Goodness or Malice to that of ... On the Holy Spirit. Touching Certain Forms of Immediate Acts, &C. ... Taunts Turning to Testimonies Potter -- Memorial Discourse on Phillips Brooks Life. Of Creation in General. Resources What is spiritual theology? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a second blessing subsequent to salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about perfectionism? | GotQuestions.org Perfection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Perfection: All Saints Have, in Christ Perfection: Ascribed to Nathanael Perfection: Ascribed to Zacharias and Elizabeth Perfection: Charity is the Bond of Perfection: God's Perfection the Standard of Perfection: Implies: Entire Devotedness Perfection: Implies: Purity and Holiness in Speech Perfection: Impossibility of Attaining To Perfection: Ministers Appointed to Lead Saints To Perfection: Saints Commanded to Aim At Perfection: Saints Follow After Perfection: The Church Shall Attain To Perfection: The Word of God Is: Designed to Lead Us To Perfection: The Word of God Is: The Rule of Perfection: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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