God intends conversion to be a growth process with the aim or goal to become like Christ. The process includes yielding to God to be led by His Spirit to get rid of materialism, self-centeredness, bad habits of character and bad attitudes. In their place, God desires growth in the fruits of the Spirit, especially in love toward God and love of the brethren. This doctrine comprises the bulk of the behavioral instruction, correction, exhortation and admonition of the Bible.
Scripture References:
Hebrews 6:1; 5:10-12; Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 13:21; James 1:4; II Corinthians 13:9; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:7-15
From the Library: Perfection, Going On To
Basic Doctrines: Going On to Perfection
Bible Study by StaffPerfection in Scripture means completeness, ripeness, and maturity, the full stature of Christ's character, and excuses like "I'm not perfect" or "only one man was perfect" do not release anyone from Paul's admonition to go on to it (Heb. 5:12-14; 6:1-12; Eph. 4:13). Like a child growing up, the believer develops endurance and …
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGoing on to perfection, the first of the foundational doctrines in Hebrews 6:1-2, is the one most written about in the New Testament and stands behind nearly every exhortation, though it is rarely named. It is the third stage of conversion, sanctification unto holiness, which falls between justification and glorification at the …
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIn the pursuit of spiritual growth, we are urged to advance toward maturity, leaving behind the rudimentary aspects of faith. We must not linger on the basics but strive to go on to perfection, aiming to complete our calling as God permits. God desires us to make an honest attempt at righteousness, despite our imperfections, and …
Where Is God's True Church Today?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the journey of faith, the pursuit of holiness is central to the purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Holiness reflects the attitude and way that God conducts His life, and it is our responsibility to engrain His way into our pattern of living so thoroughly that it becomes habitual, our first nature. This effort, as a living …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a significant journey between initial conversion and being fully prepared for God's Kingdom, requiring extensive preparation and growth. The emphasis on merely professing Jesus Christ, akin to a limited view of salvation, neglects the ongoing process of moving toward perfection. This process, as highlighted in Hebrews …
Growing to Perfection
Article by Charles WhitakerGod expects growth from all of us as we journey toward our inheritance, the Kingdom of God. We will conquer our enemies—satan, the world, and our own human nature—little by little, with God's help, just as the ancient Israelites did. Christ compared His Father's Kingdom to a mustard seed, small at first, but growing …
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod provides the tools for us to go on to perfection if we will believe in them and use them. With Jesus Christ as our Guide, spiritual maturity is our goal, and Jesus admonishes His followers to be perfect just as the Father in heaven is perfect. The New Covenant establishes graduate-level requirements of keeping God's law, yet …
Keeping God's Standards
Sermon by John O. ReidThe call to go on to perfection requires leaving the discussion of elementary principles of Christ and advancing to higher attainments of holiness and righteousness. This advance means striving for complete freedom from sin through habitual obedience to every word of God, so that the senses become exercised to discern good and …
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