Topical Bible: Perfection: Saints Follow After

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian theological framework, the concept of perfection is often understood as a state of spiritual maturity and completeness that believers are encouraged to pursue. This pursuit of perfection is not about achieving flawlessness in human terms but rather about striving for a deeper relationship with God and aligning one's life with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The call to perfection is rooted in Scripture, where believers are exhorted to emulate the holiness and righteousness of God. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus commands, "Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect." This verse sets a high standard for believers, urging them to reflect God's character in their lives.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this pursuit in Philippians 3:12-14, where he writes, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul acknowledges that perfection is a continual process, one that requires perseverance and focus on the ultimate goal of Christlikeness.

Theological Implications

The pursuit of perfection is closely tied to the doctrine of sanctification, which is the process of being made holy. This is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, transforming them into the image of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul encourages believers to "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

The concept of perfection also involves the idea of completeness or maturity in faith. James 1:4 states, "Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This maturity is characterized by a steadfast faith, moral integrity, and a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit.

Practical Application

For the saints, following after perfection involves a daily commitment to spiritual growth and obedience to God's commands. It requires a heart that is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). This pursuit is not undertaken in isolation but within the community of believers, where mutual encouragement and accountability play vital roles.

Moreover, the pursuit of perfection is marked by humility, recognizing that it is only through God's grace and strength that one can grow in holiness. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me."

Conclusion

The call to perfection is a central aspect of the Christian life, inviting believers to a journey of continual growth and transformation. It is a pursuit that reflects the believer's desire to honor God and live in accordance with His divine purpose. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God, saints are equipped to follow after perfection, ever striving to reflect the character of their Heavenly Father.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Saints' Day
... winds and bad times, then the Saints mourn over ... He says nothing of perfection, and
censures only those ... them; so that they may follow after blessedness whether ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

Whether the Saints have Knowledge of Our Prayers?
... Wherefore, since the souls of the saints do not comprehend the Divine essence, it
does not follow that they ... as many other things as the perfection of his ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the saints have knowledge.htm

Christian Perfection
... our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.""1:Thess ... A perfection not attainable in
this life ... attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter viii christian perfection.htm

Whether after the Resurrection the Saints Will See God with the ...
... flesh (which is promised to the saints after the resurrection ... corporeal object: but
it does not follow that the ... Objection 6: Beatitude is the perfection of man ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether after the resurrection the.htm

Sanctification.
... He does indeed speak of perfection. ... already attained, either were already perfect;
but I follow after, if that ... The saints on earth, then, are not sinless ones. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxii sanctification.htm

Letter xii. --After the Retreat.
... God made you pass the feast of All Saints was very ... If He allowed us to follow our
own desires and ideas ... works in a divine way at our perfection through these ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xii after the retreat.htm

Perfect in Parts, Imperfect in Degrees.
... followed Scripture; which places the perfection of God's ... some teachers, for the
perfecting of saints, for the ... had already attained, but I follow after if that ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/x perfect in parts imperfect.htm

Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty?
... For the reason why one of the saints will be said to judge as stated ... Wherefore among
those things regarding perfection which follow after poverty we may ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial power corresponds.htm

Concerning Perfection.
... much crying up their usefulness and perfection: now the ... renders the prayers of the
saints altogether useless ... might suppose this absurdity to follow, that their ...
/.../proposition viii concerning perfection.htm

Of the Fact that Devils Struggle with Men not Without Effort on ...
... Each one then of the saints when he looks on ... exclaims with delight: "I will follow
after mine enemies ... and one that is quite contrary to evangelical perfection. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxi of the fact.htm