All refernces are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Italics have been added by translators in KJV.
Underlined are for emphasis.
Bold and enlarged is for easy viewing.
If we sin are we still righteous? Can we ever be perfect like we think of pefect? Should we try to be?
The very first usage of any word is always significant. That's why it's first. First usage of perfect (Strong's #8549 in Hebrew): Gen. 6: 9 (KJV) regarding Noah. Noah obeyed God in a mature manner by being very faithful to the revelation he received, ie. keeping the instructions on building the ark for many years under great derision. Noah, especially, without Christ in him, could not be perfect. Otherwise, if he could have been perfect, "Christ died for nothing." (Phil.
Phil. 3:15 [...] as many as be perfect (Strong's #5046 in the Greek is the word "teleios", meaning complete (in various applicatiopns of labour, growth, mental, and moral character)), be thus-minded: (the context is pressing toward the mark, relying on the faith of Jesus Christ). This is always a goal, but never an achievement. This goal glorifies God, not because it can be achieved, but because we are allowing Christ's "perfect" work to indwell us and motivate us to a more perfect work. Other translations of "teleios are "of full age," "man," (as in grown-up boy).
Heb. 5: 9. "And being made perfect, He [Jesus] became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (The context is being skillful in the Word of righteousness.) We must have our "senses exercised to discern both good and evil." This includes our five senses and the spiritual senses we have. This is an indication to those around us that we are humble and pursuing Christ. "Not that I have attained..." (Paul).
Syntyche and and Euodias were not like-minded. Neither of them was "in the Lord." ]
(Phil. 4: 1)
We can have Christ in us and not be "in Christ." (an associated topic, but for another time)
Col. 1:28 "[...] that we may (not an absolute occurrence) present every man perfect (Strong's #5046, see above) in Christ Jesus." Col. 4:12 is also the same usage "[...] that ye may stand perfect and complete (#4137)...." Complete here is pleroo and I understand this to be like a water flowing over the top of a glass. It is so full it spills over, it is completely completely complete. It has been translated perfect and it is used of us being filled (to overflowing) of the Holy Spirit.
We strive for this, together with our leaders, as a goal.
"Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect (Strong's #2005, epiteleo, translated other places as finiosh, make pefect, do, and perform(ance), meaning to execute or undergo) in the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3, KJV)
We have been sealed (Strong's #4972, to stamp with a signet or private mark for security or preservation) [canned up] with that holy spirit of promise. (Eph. 1:13, KJV) Only God can undo the seal. And He never leves us nor forsakes us when we have once been His.
We are sons by the Spirit of adoption. An adopted son can never be sold off to pay a debt. (in Eastern culture, from whence the Word originated.) We are born of incorruptible seed. Our life is hid with God in Christ.
The experiencing of perfection only occurs in Heaven. We have earthly bodies, full of sin, and can never rid ourselves of that. It is a sinful world and we will ALWAYS have our sinful natures, which can never be perfected.
Hosea learned that God would always be faithful even if His people OR individual people went a-whoring. He never leaves nor forsake us. If we make our bed in hell, He is there with us (quote from Psalms by David).
Heb. 6: 4-6. are "landmine verses." To whom does it refer when the Word says "those who have 'tasted' of the Spirit? It does not say they had "eaten" Christ where He becomes a part of them. These people may have only had some exposure to a church. They may NOT actually have come to accept Jesus Christ and God's grace and mercy. I "feel" unsaved sometimes. Majority of verses in this area discuss eternal life; the one is not the exception. It also describes eternal life.
The hard verses must be understood in light of the clear verses. (Research Key)
This is all I had time for, Pastor Jim, and I wanted to be sure I got it out to you early enough tonight. See you in the morning. I'm on Media Shout. (I think that's what it's called.)
Love in Him,
Enjoy your studies,
Kiva
FAVORITE APOLOGY: http://www.cordeledispatch.com/local/local_story_023174954.html
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