The Perfect Person

THE PERFECT PERSON

‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as my Father in heaven is perfect. Mat. 5:48.

Jesus didn’t say, “Strive to reach perfection sometime at the end of your life.” He said, “Be perfect.” This is present tense. He asks you to be perfect right here and right now. He would never ask you to do something that is not possible, so it is time we put the idea out of our minds that it is impossible for us to be perfect.

“Jesus said, Be perfect as your Father is perfect. If you are the children of God you are partakers of His nature, and you cannot but be like Him. Every child lives the life of his father. If you are God’s children, begotten by His Spirit, you live by the life of God The life in you will produce the same character and manifest the same works as it did in Him. “MB 77,78.

“God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach… This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul to keep him from sinning.” DA 311.

GOD IS PERFECT:

God is spoken about in the Bible as being perfect. He never leaves his work unfinished or imperfect. He will carry through the plan of salvation to its perfect end. “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Deut. 32:4. And thus Jesus is telling us to be perfect as His heavenly Father is perfect.

Whatever God does is right. “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” Ps 18:30.

And therefore we can conclude that His law is also perfect. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Ps 19:7.

EXAMPLES OF PERFECT PEOPLE:

In the Bible, God revealed His will to mankind and that will is for man to live a perfect life.

Abraham, in the Old Testament, was also told to be perfect, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Genesis 17: 1. He was called to be sanctified and to lead a blameless life before God. God wanted Abraham to measure up more completely to His exalted standard of purity and holiness. He was called to a higher experience than he had known before. The Christian life involves growth. We will be ever growing up into the likeness of Christ.

Jehoshaphat gave instructions to the Levites and priests in the temple and ended his exhortation by saying, “Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.” 2 Chron. 19:9.

Paul encouraged the believers to be perfect. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Cor. 13:11.

Solomon was also told to be perfect, “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” 2 Kings 8:61. David continued to encourage him… “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing However Solomon allowed his many wives to turn his heart away from the Lord and it is recorded that, “His heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.” 1 Kings 11:4. He did not heed his father’s counsel.

When there was a call to bring offerings for the building of the temple in the time of Solomon, “the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” 1 Chron 29:9. The people were working for the Lord with a perfect heart.

In the Bible we read of several other men who were considered perfect. First there was Noah, “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9. Noah preserved the law and he taught it to his descendents. Noah was said to be a perfect man, yet later he proved susceptible to the weakness of the flesh.
The perfect and mature Christian is one who is fully dedicated to the Lord. Though they have weaknesses to overcome, they press on toward the mark. The day will come when the work of eradicating all sins and selfishness from the redeemed will be complete and the saints will be fully and permanently without spot or wrinkle.

Then there was Job; “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil,” Job 1:1, “The man who is perfect in the sight of God is the man who has reached the degree of development that heaven expects of him at any given time,” 3BC 499

And a third person is a king of Judah, named Asa, “But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’ s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days.” 1 Kings 15:14.

Hezekiah thought he was perfect, “1 beseech thee, 0 Lord, remember now how 1 have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” 2 Kings 20:3. But did he really know his heart?

Then there were others who definitely were not perfect. .. Above we mentioned Solomon after his heathen wives led him astray. There was also a king of Judah named Amaziah, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” 2 Chron. 25:2. It is possible to outwardly do good things and serve the Lord, but not have a perfect heart.

When we think of perfection often we think of a term that means we have fully attained. We have reached the ultimate goal from which there is no possibility of reversing. Is this true? Was there any room for these men to grow? Did they know all there was to know about salvation? Did they remain in a perfect state? We will answer this question later in the article. First we will study

HOW TO BE PERFECT

Bible reading: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Tim. 3:15, 16:. “No man, woman or youth can attain to Christian perfection and neglect the study of the Word of God.” CSW 17. “God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character. And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God.” DA 123.

Separation from habits and practices of the world: In Deuteronomy 18:9-14 we see Moses relating a message from the Lord to the people. If they would refuse to have anything to do with the abominations of the nations in the land of Canaan, especially those that are involved in Spiritualism, then the Lord would bless them. He told them to drive them out, and to be “perfect with the Lord thy God.” V.I3. So one condition of reaching perfection is to separate our affections from practices of this world. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…” I John2:15.

By the Strength and power of God (co-operation with God): Towards the end of his life King David was able to acknowledge that, “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” 2 Sam. 22:33. Only by the strength and power of God can we obtain perfection, yet it is not an impossibility for God. The difficulty lies in our lack of faith. Do we really believe that God can make us perfect? “The work of gaining salvation is one of co-partnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness.” AA 482.

Keeping the Commandments: Perfection of character is the prerequisite to entrance into the kingdom of heaven. The standard of perfection is found in those principles of righteousness and love set forth in the commandments of God.
The rich young ruler came to Jesus asking what he must do to be saved. He was sure that he was keeping the commandments, however he still felt there was something missing. “Jesus said unto him, If. thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Mat. 19:21.

The outward keeping of the letter of the commandments (as opposed to the spirit of the commandments) does not make one perfect. The heart needs to be changed. “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” Heb. 7:19. (Ceremonial law 9:9, 10:1, 11:40). “Christ read the ruler’s heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. . By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive: the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.

“Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his will must be given into Christ’s control. The very holiness of God was offered to the young ruler. He had the privilege of becoming a son of God, and a co-heir with Christ to the heavenly treasure. But he must take up the cross, and follow the Saviour in the path of self- denial.. ..

“Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character. His words were words of wisdom, though they appeared severe and exacting. In accepting and obeying them was the ruler’s only hope of salvation. His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections…

“His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol. He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. “ DA 519 – 522.

“You cannot equal the copy; but you can resemble it and, according to your ability, do likewise. ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.’ Such love must dwell in your hearts, that you will be ready to give up the treasures and honours of this world if thereby you may influence one soul. to engage in the service of Christ.” 2T 170.

Self-control: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2. “He who speaks only what is pure and honest and kind has attained to the goal of Christlikeness. Such a man makes the best kind of teacher. . . . With the most difficult member of the body under control it should be relatively easy to control the other members… A man’s words reveal the tenor of his thoughts. If he controls his thoughts to the extent that his words are consistently Christlike, the whole body is safely under control.” 7BC 525.
“You cannot attain to Christian perfection unless you possess perfect control of your own spirit.” 2T 3U.”The greatest triumph given us by the religion of Christ is control over ourselves. Our natural propensities must be controlled or we can never overcome as Christ overcame.” 4T 235.

“Through the help that Christ can give we shall be able to learn to bridle the tongue. Sorely as He was tried on the point of hasty and angry speech, He never once sinned with His lips. With patient calmness He met the sneers, the taunts, and the ridicule of His fellow workers at the carpenter’s bench. Instead of retorting angrily, He would begin to sing one of David’s beautiful psalms; and His companions, before realizing what they were doing, would unite with Him in the hymn. What a transformation would be wrought in this world if men and women today would follow Christ’s example in the use of words.” RH 5- 26-04

“It is impossible for those who indulge the appetite to obtain Christian perfection.” 2T 400.

It is important to make a covenant with God to guard well your words. Revengeful speech never makes one feel that he has gained the victory.

Through suffering: Jesus has sent us an invitation: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stables, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10. God, Himself will equip you to endure all the assaults that Satan may bring against you.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness “ 2 Cor. 12:9.
Firmness in principle: “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” James 1:6,7. “Purity of life and a character moulded after the divine pattern are not obtained without earnest effort and fixed principles. A vacillating person will not succeed in attaining Christian perfection. Such will be weighed in the balances and found wanting.” 2T 408/9.

Continual Growth: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,..” Heb. 6:1. Having built a foundation is not enough, This does not make a person perfect. We must build a good foundation and then go on to perfection. “As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.” COL 65.”

“The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted as an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.” DA 311
THE GOAL: Jesus is looking for perfection in His people and this is why He gave gifts to the church, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” Eph. 4:13.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus… Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal this unto you.” Phil. 3:12,15. Any earnest Christian will see the necessity of disregarding the past and hastening on to perfection. When we earnestly press on in the Christian race, God will point out to us our errors in doctrine and practice and it is our choice as to whether we want to give them up. If we choose to give them up, God will supply the strength.

“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Col. 1:28.

THE RESULT:

There are blessings given to God’s perfect people. Not that He favours and loves some people more than others. The blessings are a natural result of our lives being one with Jesus. He has promised us much peace and happiness. Also protection during crisis and comfort during difficult times. He has promised to be an ever- present helper in our times of need.

“That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” 2 Tim. 3:17. He will perform good works.

“I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;” John 17:23. He will be one with Jesus and there will be unity amongst their fellow believers.

“The disciple is not above his master: but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master.” Luke 6:40. He shall be like his Master.

“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” Ps. 37:37. He will have perfect peace.
“For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.” Pro 2:21. He shall remain in the land. The heavenly Canaan is promised to them.

“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way…” Pro 11:5. He will have direction in his life.

“Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.” Ps. 101:6. They will dwell with Christ and will serve Him.

“Unless you seek to serve Him with your undivided affections, you will fail to perfect holiness in His fear, and you will be compelled to hear the last fearful word, Depart.” 2T 237.

THE BLESSING:

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chron. 16:9.

“Much may be done to restore the moral image of God in man, to improve the physical, mental and moral capabilities. Great changes can be made in the physical system by obeying the laws of God and bringing into the body nothing that defiles. And while we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. Our dependence is not in what man can do; it is in what God can do for man through Christ. When we surrender ourselves wholly to God, and fully believe, the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. The conscience can be freed from condemnation. Through faith in His blood, all may be made perfect in Christ Jesus. Thank God that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. We may enjoy the favour of God. We are not to be anxious about what Christ and God think of us, but about what God thinks of Christ our Substitute. Ye are accepted in the Beloved. The Lord shows, to the repenting, believing one, that Christ accepts the surrender of the soul, to be moulded and fashioned after His own likeness.” 2SM 32.

CAN WE LOSE PERFECTION? (is it a permanent condition?)

As mentioned earlier human weakness Noah showed of Asa it is said: “Asa’s long record of faithful service was marred by some mistakes, made at times when he failed to put his trust fully in God. When on one occasion, the king of Israel entered the kingdom of Judah and seized Ramah, a fortified city only five miles form Jerusalem, Asa sought deliverance by forming an alliance with Benhadad, king of Syria. This failure to trust God alone in time of need was sternly rebuked by Hanani the prophet.” PK 113. And did Asa listen to the prophet? “Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.” 2 Chron. 16:10. This is what happened to a man who at one time had a perfect heart.

Lucifer lost his perfection, “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:15.

Hezekiah considered himself a perfect man, yet he made a mistake when the ambassadors came from Babylon to inquire regarding the sun going backwards.

“Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers.” 8:20

A man can be perfect today, however this does not mean he has been sealed. When the angel has sealed God’s people with the indelible seal, they cannot sin anymore. A person may be perfect today – as soon as you repent of your sins, you are perfect, until the next time you sin. Thus if a man is perfect today this does not mean that he has fully attained. He may lose his way in the future. He may fall at some point in time, however we can be perfect right now by the grace of God. But being perfect includes growth. The perfect man will continue to grow in grace (the sanctification process). Jesus is looking for perfect people today and you can be one of them.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; ye He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and 1 will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ 2 Cor 6:16.

“Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh’ (Rom. 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore we are to be perfect, even as our ‘Father which is in heaven is perfect’ “DA 311/312..
AMEN

Wendy Eaton