Bill Taylor wrote: > Doesn't the idea of perfection necessitate arrival?
No, the Bible uses the word "perfect" in two different ways. Consider the following passage where the two ways are just three verses apart. Phi 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phi 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Phi 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Notice that in verse 12, Paul says he has not attained, neither was he already "perfect." Then just three verses later, in verse 15, Paul says, "let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded." Clearly, the concept of "perfect" is being used in a different sense, with different objects before them. In verse 12, the context is the physical resurrection of the body. Paul is saying that he has not yet been glorified physically. In verse 15, he speaks about being perfect as pertaining to morality and the conscience. We can know this from a more thorough study of perfection elsewhere in Scripture. I hope to present some thoughts on this later as time permits. Let me offer one other analogy about perfection that I believe helps. Meditation upon the following passage helped me understand this. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18 KJV) Consider a light bulb. It is bright. When I try to look at it, I cannot find any darkness. Nevertheless, does that mean that the light is as great as it can possibly be? Of course not. There are brighter lights than the light bulb. The sun is brighter too. Therefore, the idea of being perfect in Christ does not mean that we have attained and that there is no more room for growth. What it means is that our growth is like a light that gets brighter and brighter. It is not a growth whereby we sin less and less as time goes on. Rather, it is a growth that starts with our sinless condition, being found in Christ pure and blameless. This growth is truly one of faith to faith and holiness unto holiness. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
