Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Perfection (Part 1)

Beloved, I feel inspired of the Lord to write unto you from a new topic under “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ”. Having studied the fundamentals of the doctrine, we now come to the consummation of the series, entitled “Perfection”. Beloved, the sole reason why God inspired the scriptures, leaving them for us to read, is so that He could guide us in the ways of “perfection”. In these times, when Satan is continually spreading destruction, devastation, immorality and unrighteousness over the earth, the admonition of the apostle Paul to the Hebrews is of the utmost importance to the church of Christ. Paul said, “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1).

Precious Ones, since the days of Noah, the scripture has described our God as One who requires “perfection” from the men that He uses in His service. The Bible says that Noah “was a just man and perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9). Job was also included in the list of those considered “perfect” (Job 1:1). Abraham, believe it or not, was also among those who God challenged to be perfect (Genesis 17:1). Beloved, it should be noted that the word “perfect” does not mean that these men reached the highest standard possible for them to reach. Rather, they were plain, whole and complete in God – not taken up with earthly things. In other words, these men were considered perfect by God because they sought after His will instead of their own. That’s why it is said of Abraham that he “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Galatians 3:6). Righteousness is God’s standard concerning what is right! Therefore, Beloved, these men were considered righteous because of their faith – not their works! Paul said of faith, “Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written (see Habakkuk 2:4), the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:14).

Chosen Ones, we therefore learn that in order to attain to perfect status with God, we must believe that He is able to make us perfect in His eyes by faith. Peter puts it this way, “the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after…ye have suffered a while, (is able to) make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (I Peter 5:10). In the scriptures, the word “perfect” is sometimes used to mean “accuracy” (see Luke 1:3, Acts 18:26; 22:3; 24:22, I Thessalonians 5:2), but mostly it is used to teach the will of God.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy