PERFECT

The word "perfect" is used in different ways in the Bible. (a) Only deity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is perfect in the absolute, moral sense (Mt. 5:48), though Christians are to strive for this quality. Whenever man is referred to as "perfect" it is only in a relative sense, i.e., he is spiritually mature, in comparison to his fellows (Job. 1:1; cf. Phil. 3:12ff). (b) Sometimes "perfect" is employed in the sense of completeness. Jesus, by his suffering, became completely qualified to serve as our High Priest (Heb. 5:8-9). The Scriptures furnish the man of God to the end that he may be "perfect" (KJV), i.e., completely furnished (ASV), for the Christian life (2 Tim. 3:17). In 1 Corinthians 13:8ff, Paul speaks of the cessation of miraculous gifts. The target time for the termination of those phenomena would be "when that which is perfect" is come. The Greek text literally speaks of "the perfect thing" (neuter gender) to come. Here, "perfect" means "complete," and it is placed in contrast to the "in part" things, i.e., the bit-by-bit revelatory process that was conveyed by means of the various spiritual gifts (see 12:7ff). The "perfect," or "complete," revelation was realized when the N.T. record was finished (cir. A.D. 96).

Related Articles

Defending the Faith with a Broken Sword – Part 2

The Lord expects his disciples to demonstrate a loving disposition, while, at the same time, defending the truth vigorously. All of us to some extent, have made errors in both of these areas. And sometimes, we do more harm than good when attempting to defend truth with incorrect reasoning. This is part two in a three-part series, “Defending the Faith with a Broken Sword.”

The Challenge of “Agape” Love

It is a noble and worthy challenge to love with the love that Jesus has for all mankind.

Didn’t Paul Command, “Forbid not to speak in tongues”?

What is the meaning of Paul’s command, “Forbid not to Speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:39)? Does this imply that the gift of tongues was to continue to the end of time?

What Does the Bible Say About Miracles?

What is a miracle? What is the purpose of miraculous signs? Are genuine miracles happening today? What about the “miracles” of the so-called modern “faith-healers”? Do these indicate a miraculous presence of the Spirit in modern times? Study this important topic.

If “Tongues” Have Ceased, Why Hasn’t “Knowledge”?

A critic, who believes that “speaking in tongues” is a gift available in this age, believes he has detected a flaw in our position that the gift of tongues was restricted to the first century. Based upon his view of 1 Corinthians 13:8ff, he argues that if “tongues” are obsolete, then “knowledge” should be as well. Since we still have knowledge, it is claimed, tongues remain as well. Here is our response to the gentleman’s objection.

Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson