Be Ye Perfect

Is perfection really possible? This is a question that has been debated over by many Bible scholars, theologians, and Christians. But what does the Bible tell us about being perfect? Jesus Christ, while He was on earth, gave a clear cut answer, which is also a command and a promise as we will see.

Be therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. KJV Matthew 5:48

This is so plain. We ought to be perfect, not just any perfection but as our Father in heaven. The apostle Peter tells us, “Because it is written, be holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16. Now that we have seen God wants us to be perfect, we need to understand what being perfect means. Perfection is a ‘troublesome’ word which if not rightly understood, might be misinterpreted to suit the design of the adversary.

There are three types of perfection implied in scripture.

1. Absolute perfection
2. Nature perfection
3. Character perfection

1. Absolute Perfection

This is being totally without fault from the beginning to the end. Only God has absolute perfection for He cannot change, “For I am the LORD I change not.” Malachi 3:6 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

The inspired writer says, “Angelic perfection failed in heaven, human perfection failed in Eden.” Our High Calling page 45 Angels and humans can never be absolutely perfect for they are subject to new information, but God knows the end from the beginning, declaring the end from the beginning.” Isaiah 46:10

2. Nature Perfection

When Adam was created, he had a perfect nature that was in total conformity to God’s will, but as a result of disobedience, his nature became depraved. The sinful nature is what we now have, our inclinations and propensity is toward sin. We will have this sinful flesh till the second return of Christ. Paul says, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption: it is raised in incorruption.” 1 Corinthians 15:42 “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15:53.

3. Character Perfection

Absolute perfection and nature perfection we cannot attain for we had already fallen and our natures are depraved. However, the third kind of perfection is what we need to achieve.

Character perfection simply means obedience to the laws of God through the enabling merits of Christ. That is what God expects from us. The law of God is a revelation of His will, a transcript of His character. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalms 19:7. Through His law, His character, God has shown us who he is, and that is how he expects us to live. We need to obey every law without excusing even one sin.

That is how Christ lived, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Chris also suffered for us leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 1:21, 22 So Christ lived a perfect life while on earth yet with a nature just like ours, a sinful flesh. Romans 8:3. And He has left for us that example to be like Him.

In order to achieve character perfection, we must be willing to give Him our will. We cannot form the perfect character on our own, we need to surrender our will to Christ. Then, He will work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Once we cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, we allow Christ to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. From the very first step, we can be perfect. This is well illustrated by the parable in Mark 4:28. It is written,

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself, first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our lives may be perfect, yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Christ Object Lessons page 65 par.2

We need to perfect our characters NOW. None can defer this work except at the greatest peril of their lives. When Christ comes, our characters will not be magically transformed but will be fixed to be permanent. Do not put off the work of forsaking your sin, however small it may be esteemed, sin can be indulged in only at the peril of infinite loss. What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction.

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made to reach the standard of perfection. Moral perfection is required of all. We need to understand that imperfection of character is sin. In our own strength, it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature but our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. Through the mighty agency of the Holy Spirit, sin can be resisted and overcome. The Spirit will lead us into all truth, and the truth shall make us free from the power of sin. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

Let all compromise with sin come to an end. Let us bring each thought and motive beneath His control.

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall perfectly be reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:12. Were all who profess His name bearing fruit (having His character) to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened and Christ would come to gather the precious grain. Christ Object Lessons page 69 par.1

And while we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. As we finish up, let us keep in mind,

Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children godliness-godlikeness- is the goal to be reached. Education page 18 par. 4