Completion

In the biblical context, the concept of "completion" often refers to the fulfillment of God's purposes and the bringing to fruition of His divine plans. The idea of completion is deeply rooted in the narrative of creation, where God completes His work and rests on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). This act of completion signifies not only the end of creation but also the perfection of God's work, as everything He made was "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

The New Testament further develops the theme of completion, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In John 19:30, Jesus declares, "It is finished," signifying the completion of His redemptive work on the cross. This statement underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the completion of the sacrificial system, as Jesus becomes the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of completion in the context of spiritual maturity and the believer's journey. In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence "that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" . Here, completion is seen as an ongoing process, culminating in the believer's ultimate transformation at the return of Christ.

Perfection

Perfection in the Bible is often associated with the idea of wholeness, maturity, and the absence of defect. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "tamim" is used to describe something that is complete or without blemish, often in the context of sacrificial offerings (Leviticus 22:21). This concept of perfection is foundational to understanding the nature of God, who is described as perfect in His ways (Deuteronomy 32:4).

In the New Testament, the Greek word "teleios" is frequently used to denote perfection, often in the sense of reaching an intended goal or maturity. Jesus calls His followers to "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This call to perfection is not about achieving sinless perfection in this life but rather striving for spiritual maturity and completeness in love and obedience.

The Epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes the perfection of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" . This verse highlights the sufficiency and completeness of Christ's atoning work, which perfects believers in their standing before God.

The pursuit of perfection is also a theme in the writings of Paul, who encourages believers to press on toward the goal of spiritual maturity. In Colossians 1:28, Paul writes, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ" . This perfection is not self-attained but is a work of God in the believer's life, achieved through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, completion and perfection in the biblical sense are deeply intertwined with God's redemptive plan and the believer's spiritual journey. They reflect the fulfillment of God's purposes, the maturity of the believer, and the ultimate realization of God's kingdom.