In Hebrews 6:1 we find a statement, “therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection”. Paul admonishes us to go on to perfection, but is that possible? Just what is perfection? I would like to begin to answer this question by reviewing three scriptures beginning with Colossians 4:12. “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” In explaining the parable of the Sower Christ said: “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Luke 8:14). Paul also in discussing how Christ structured the church and also, it’s purpose; “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13) The context of these passages show perfection to entail completeness, ripeness (like fruit), and the fullness of the stature of Christ.
When you look specifically at the biblical Hebrew and Greek definitions of perfect and perfection you find it includes "without spot or blemish," "complete," "full," "sound," "undefiled," "whole," "mature" and "ripe." Are these not descriptors of Christ's character, who embodies all these traits? Let’s consider that as we look further into what the Apostle Paul admonishes us to become. Speaking to a group of older in the faith Christians Paul said: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Here Paul is chastising them for being spiritually immature. In this analogy Paul compares babies to adults. Little children are unskillful at many tasks, often becoming discouraged and quitting when they face difficulties. Like children who never learn to eat solid food, these Christians are criticized for being dependent only on milk, from a spiritual standpoint. That dependence will make much of the information Paul desires to relate to them hard to understand. This discourse on immaturity continues through chapter 6 where we find the statement we began with (consider Hebrews 6:1-12). Going on to perfection is not easy, the admonition for us is that we cannot be or become sluggish and apathetic in our spiritual growth. A sure sign of growing in maturity is endurance, but this is not passive waiting.
What should we expect as we pursue this? Again, the truth is found by looking into scripture. In 1 Peter 5:10 we find: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” Peter warns us that we will suffer during the perfecting process. Speaking of our saviour, we find; “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10) “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:7-9). Paul urges diligence in becoming perfect and complete, reminding us that we can not expect to escape what Christ Himself endured, learning perfection by the things He suffered.
Can we be perfect apart from others? Let’s consider that question in relation to a very well-known section of scripture. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be (become – this process we are looking at here) perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48) The Bible links perfection with human relationships. Christ urges us to be as perfect as our Father in heaven, and ties the process to how we treat each other. In answering the rich young ruler who had kept the commandments all his life Christ said he still lacked one thing, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21) This rich young ruler went away sorrowful. Do we have something we are not willing to surrender? That is a question to consider in relation to the earlier one.
Throughout scripture we find the fact that the Kingdom of God is about eternal, peaceful relationships. We cannot withdraw from people and still develop the necessary relationship skills, just as God never leaves us but continues to work with us. He never ignores us even when we error, instead He works on us, helping us develop our relationships with Him and each other. (consider Luke 6:39-49; John 17:20-23; Romans 8:35-39; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 138:8) Our Heavenly Father is the One who works perfection in us. Next week, I would like to consider this more as we examine what are the fruits of perfection?