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Basic Doctrines: Going On to Perfection
Bible Study by StaffJust what is perfection? Paul admonishes us to go on to perfection, and we need to understand where God stands on this issue so we can align ourselves with Him. Perfection, as shown in Scripture, entails completeness, ripeness like fruit, and the fullness of the stature of Christ. The biblical definitions of perfect and perfection include being without spot or blemish, complete, full, sound, undefiled, whole, mature, and ripe, all describing Christ's character who embodies these traits. Paul urges diligence in becoming perfect and complete, comparing babies to adults in his analogy. Little children are unskillful and often quit when the going gets tough, while a sure sign of approaching maturity is endurance, not passive waiting. Peter warns that we will suffer during the perfecting process, as even Christ learned perfection through the things He suffered. Perfection is also linked with human relationships in Scripture. Christ urges us to be as perfect as our Father in heaven, tying the process to how we treat each other. We cannot withdraw from people and still develop necessary relationship skills, just as God never leaves us but continues to work with us, perfecting us through His efforts. Perfection, in the context of everyday life as used in Scripture, means maturity and completeness. We can attain an increasing level of spiritual maturity, yet we cannot truly complete the process until our human nature is totally changed. Only then can we reach the goals of being perfect as our Father in heaven, having the mind of Christ, bringing every thought into captivity, and never uttering a wrong word. Though Paul urges us on to perfection, he admits he was not completely there himself, struggling to leave the past behind and pursue the future. He shows that part of the process is maintaining a perfect attitude, a mind ready, willing, and seeking after the prize of the high calling of Christ.
Perfection...Piece by Piece
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat is perfection? Does God require perfection of us? The Bible defines perfection in a surprising way, and tells to what standard God holds us accountable.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.
'Perfect In His Generations'
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen God says that Noah was 'perfect in his generations,' does He imply racial purity? A study of the Hebrew words quickly clarifies its meaning.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOur response to God's call has not removed all of our suffering. However, responding to God changes the reason for suffering and what it can accomplish.
Wrong Ideas
Sermonette by James BeaubelleOver the course of millennia, only a few have been willing to hold to the covenant with God or make the sacrifice for building the faith He requires.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.
The Endurance of the Firstfruits (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe seven Sabbaths in the count to Pentecost represent the process of the firstfruits becoming spiritually complete, that is, perfect and blameless.
Persecution
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.
'But I Say to You' (Part Seven): Love Your Enemies
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMany scriptures direct us to show kindness to strangers and even our enemies who persecute us. With God's Spirit, we override the fight or flight response.
Are You Strong in the Lord?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHardship is not removed from our spiritual trek, but God strengthens us to endure and overcome through our afflictions. Suffering is a training ground.
The Wilderness Trek and Judgment Begins
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's people must learn to trust Him for their survival, remembering that the eating of Unleavened Bread is a reminder that only God has the power to rescue.
Deuteronomy (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is an incremental process in which we systematically destroy the sin within us as our forebears were asked to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not remove His people's trials, but He provides help for those going through them, using the cleansing power of the trial to heal their minds.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of building character, God does the creating, assaying, testing, and proving; we do the yielding and walking in the pathway He has set for us.