Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Perfection (conclusion)

Beloved, the time has come for me to conclude this series of letters on “Perfection” from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series. Next week, I feel led to address the subject of true “Repentance”, but, for now, let me start off by stating a fact that most Christians overlook – the purpose of Jesus’ ministry is to bring every man to a state of perfection. If you remember, it was Jesus who stated His opinion about “the Law” – the Old Testament Commandments. He said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law…I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (to make the Law perfect).

Precious Ones, Jesus further explained this principle in His teaching. He said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery (see Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:18): But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). From this scripture we see that Jesus came to teach us the more perfect way to please Him, and that way is to obey Him in our hearts. The Psalmist teaches us how to get an audience with God. He wrote, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…” (Psalm 24:3-4).

Chosen Ones, we are all commissioned to walk according to the words of Jesus which He spoke to His apostles (read Philippians 3:12-16 and Colossians 1:28). The Church and its people must represent the “perfection” that comes from God. It is written that “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined” (Psalm 50:2). More importantly, the Church is supposed to be the “perfect” manifestation of the Truth of God. Beloved, the visible Church will lose her children and intended Husband (Jesus Christ) if we don’t bear in mind that He is calling for a Church that is “perfect”. Beloved, we must not be guilty of lowering our standards of obedience to God’s Word because of the times in which we live and the lifestyles of the people who surround us in this world. As your Pastor, I love you all too much to deceive you into thinking that our God will tolerate mediocrity! The Apostle Paul taught us that God will only reward a “perfect” group of individuals with eternal life. Paul puts it this way – God’s plan is “that he (Jesus) might present…to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it (the Church) should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27). That sounds like “perfection” to me!

I love you all so very much,
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy