Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  6000 Sin and salvation  »  6100 Aspects of sin  »  6199 imperfection  »  6201 imperfection, and God's purposes

The unacceptable falling short of the God-given ideal must be resisted and overcome.

Imperfection is contrary to God's purpose

In creation

Genesis 1:31

For individuals

Ephesians 1:4

For the church

Ephesians 5:25-27

Imperfection is unacceptable in God's presence

Sacrificial animals must be unblemished

Deuteronomy 15:21; Malachi 1:8 See also Exodus 12:5; Leviticus 22:20-25; Numbers 28:31; Deuteronomy 17:1

The priests must be physically perfect

Leviticus 21:17-23

Moral imperfection separates from God

Isaiah 59:2 See also Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 50:1; Isaiah 64:7; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:5; Hebrews 10:26-27; Revelation 21:27; Revelation 22:15

God's people should strive against imperfection

Matthew 5:48 See also Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:9; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:19; Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14

Imperfection will be dealt with at Jesus Christ's return

Creation will be remade

Isaiah 65:17 See also Isaiah 66:22; Matthew 19:28; Romans 8:19-21; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5

God's people will be perfected

1 John 3:2 See also Philippians 3:20-21

Evil will be removed

Revelation 21:4 See also Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 65:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 21:8

See also

2565  Christ, second coming
6720  redemption
6744  sanctification
8144  renewal
8201  blamelessness
8320  perfection
9105  last things