Topical Encyclopedia The concept of perfection in the Christian faith is deeply rooted in the character and purposes of God. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to pursue and ultimately attain perfection, reflecting the holiness and completeness of God Himself. This entry explores the biblical basis for the Church's journey toward perfection, emphasizing the transformative work of Christ and the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The call to perfection is grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands His followers, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This call to perfection is not merely an individual pursuit but a collective journey for the Church, the community of believers. The Apostle Paul speaks to the Church's destiny of perfection in several of his epistles. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul writes about the gifts Christ gave to the Church to equip the saints for ministry, "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ" . This passage highlights the communal aspect of growing into perfection, emphasizing unity and maturity in Christ. The Role of Christ and the Holy Spirit The Church's attainment of perfection is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection provide the foundation for the Church's holiness. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" . This verse underscores the completed work of Christ in securing the Church's ultimate perfection. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the ongoing process of sanctification, guiding believers toward holiness and maturity. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul describes this transformative work: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" . The Spirit's work is essential in conforming the Church to the image of Christ, moving it toward perfection. The Eschatological Hope The Church's journey toward perfection is both a present reality and a future hope. While believers are called to pursue holiness in this life, the fullness of perfection will be realized in the eschaton, when Christ returns. In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the work He began: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" . The book of Revelation provides a vision of the perfected Church, the Bride of Christ, adorned for her husband. Revelation 19:7-8 describes this glorious future: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure" . This imagery captures the culmination of the Church's journey toward perfection, as it stands complete and holy before God. Practical Implications The call to perfection has practical implications for the life of the Church. Believers are encouraged to strive for holiness, love, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ in their communities. Colossians 3:14-15 exhorts the Church, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body" . The pursuit of perfection involves a commitment to living out the virtues of the Christian faith in everyday life. In summary, the Church's attainment of perfection is a divine promise rooted in the character of God, the redemptive work of Christ, and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. It is a journey marked by growth in holiness, unity, and love, culminating in the eschatological hope of standing complete before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 17:23I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as you have loved me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:13 Library On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In Whether all Ecclesiastical Prelates are in the State of Perfection ... The Threefold Kind of Man Feigned by These Heretics: Good Works ... Christian Perfection The Church and the Kingdom of Christ. How to Keep Passion Week To Gregory xi The Christian Church a Family. 1 John iii. 1-3 Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Resources How can heaven be perfect if all of our loved ones are not there? | GotQuestions.orgIs God perfect? | GotQuestions.org Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | 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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