Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of perfection often transcends mere flawlessness or moral impeccability, encompassing a profound sense of entire devotedness to God. This notion is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where perfection is frequently associated with wholehearted commitment and unwavering faithfulness to the divine will.Old Testament Insights The Hebrew word often translated as "perfect" is "tamim," which conveys a sense of completeness, integrity, and sincerity. In Genesis 17:1, God commands Abram, "Walk before Me and be blameless." Here, the call to be "blameless" (tamim) is not merely about moral purity but about living a life fully devoted to God, walking in His presence with integrity. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 18:13, the Israelites are instructed, "You must be blameless before the LORD your God." This directive emphasizes a life of complete allegiance to God, rejecting idolatry and any form of spiritual compromise. The call to perfection is thus a call to undivided loyalty and faithfulness. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the Greek word "teleios" is often used to denote perfection. This term implies maturity, completeness, and the fulfillment of purpose. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, exhorts His followers, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This command underscores the call to emulate God's perfect love and holiness, striving for a life wholly dedicated to His purposes. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Philippians 3:12-15, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him. He encourages believers to adopt this mindset of pursuing spiritual maturity and complete devotion to Christ. Perfection as Entire Devotedness The biblical call to perfection is fundamentally about entire devotedness to God. It is a call to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). This devotedness is characterized by a life that seeks to align with God's will in every aspect, reflecting His character and purposes. James 1:4 speaks to this process of becoming perfect: "Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, perfection is seen as the result of steadfast faith and perseverance, leading to a life fully devoted to God. Practical Implications The pursuit of perfection, understood as entire devotedness, has practical implications for the believer's life. It calls for a daily commitment to spiritual growth, a willingness to surrender personal desires for the sake of God's kingdom, and a dedication to living out the teachings of Christ in every area of life. In summary, biblical perfection is not about achieving sinless perfection but about cultivating a heart wholly devoted to God. It is a journey of growing in love, faith, and obedience, striving to reflect the character of Christ in all things. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Piety. Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... Covenanting a Duty. Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. 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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