Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "perfecting" in the Bible is closely associated with the process of spiritual growth and maturity in the life of a believer. It involves the development and completion of one's faith and character in accordance with God's will. The term is often linked with sanctification, the ongoing process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides several key passages that illuminate the concept of perfecting. In Ephesians 4:11-13, the Apostle Paul writes about the purpose of spiritual gifts: "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 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." Here, the idea of perfecting is tied to the growth and unity of the church, as believers are equipped and matured in their faith. In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence in God's ongoing work in believers: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the assurance that God is actively involved in the perfecting process, bringing believers to completion in Christ. The Role of Christ Christ is central to the concept of perfecting. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to look to Jesus as the "author and perfecter of our faith." Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation and model for believers' spiritual growth. Through His sacrifice, believers are justified and set on the path of sanctification, where they are progressively conformed to His image. The Work of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the perfecting of believers. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is described, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are evidence of the Spirit's work in perfecting the character of believers. The Spirit empowers and guides believers in their journey toward spiritual maturity. Human Responsibility While God initiates and sustains the process of perfecting, believers are called to actively participate. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul exhorts, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This verse underscores the responsibility of believers to pursue holiness and purity, cooperating with God's work in their lives. Challenges and Perseverance The journey of perfecting is not without challenges. James 1:2-4 speaks to the role of trials in this process: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Trials are seen as opportunities for growth, refining faith, and leading to greater maturity. Eschatological Perspective The perfecting of believers will ultimately be completed at the return of Christ. In 1 John 3:2, it is written, "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 eschatological hope provides motivation and assurance for believers as they strive toward perfection in this life. In summary, perfecting in the biblical sense involves the divine and human elements of spiritual growth, with Christ as the model, the Holy Spirit as the enabler, and the believer's active participation in the journey toward holiness and maturity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Perfect.Greek 2677. katartismos -- a preparing, an equipping ... an equipping. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: katartismos Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ar-tis-mos') Short Definition: a perfecting Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2677.htm - 6k 2676. katartisis -- a preparing, an equipping 2005. epiteleo -- to complete, accomplish Library May the Sixth the Perfecting of Love Whether the Cardinal virtues are Fittingly Divided into Social ... How Love Spreads Its Excellence Over the Other virtues, Perfecting ... Hilary. The Pure in Heart Blessed. The Doing and Perfecting of ... In the Work of Ministering How Jesus Finished his Words. Christ's Message to Herod That the Holy Spirit is in Every Conception Separable from the ... Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing. The Husbandman and his Operations Thesaurus Perfecting (5 Occurrences)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Perfect. Multi-Version Concordance Perfecting (5 Occurrences). ... And this we also pray for, even your perfecting. (WEB WEY ASV DBY). ... /p/perfecting.htm - 8k Perfection (30 Occurrences) Perfect (205 Occurrences) Understands (16 Occurrences) Improvement (2 Occurrences) Filthiness (16 Occurrences) Finishing (17 Occurrences) Reverence (42 Occurrences) Rape Edifying (9 Occurrences) Resources What is sanctifying grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.org How can I find my spiritual calling? | GotQuestions.org Perfecting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Perfecting (5 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 7:1 2 Corinthians 13:9 Ephesians 4:12 Psalms 57:2 Daniel 8:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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