Be Ye Perfect

[Mike Gibson]

 

Jesus said in Matthew 5:48:

 

Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.

 

I believe this is to be the "standard" for every Christian. What do you think?

[Mike Gibson]

 

Donald

I haven't taken the time to read everything that has been written here concerning the issue of "perfection," which Jesus addressed within the context of Matthew 5:48, therefore I am unaware of whether anyone has construed it as a reference to what I prefer to call "excellency of knowledge," that is to say, being willing to make whatever investment of our time and energies might be required to possess an understanding of the truth which enables one to dispel whatever ignorance they might have entertained about spiritual things. 

 

Me:

I certainly believe we should give all energy into learning the knowledge of God. But I dont see how it works compared to what Jesus said:

Be ye {of} excellency in knowledge even as your Father which is in Heaven is {of} excellency in knowledge. Paraphrased Version.

One can have a lot of knowledge of the Father and his will and not be perfect concerning it. While perfect knowledge COULD bring about perfection if backed up by Holy Spirit power in the life the perfection spoken of seems to be our being of the same "heart" or "character" as him. Our doing of his will concerning the things we are commanded in chapter 5 and elsewhere would be the evidence that we are LIKE the Father would it not? Because we act as he would act.

Apostle Peter said the same in his epistle:

But as he which has called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner ofconduct. Because it is written Be ye holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

If your take is like what Paul says:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

It seems to agree in that in this sense we are shown that if we are fully trained by the scriptures we will be prepared or made able to do all good works.

 

Are we connecting?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mike Gibson]

 

Mike R Provost

[Of course, this idea of a "list of sins" is based on the idea that one's works must be perfect for them to be saved -- the proposition put forth in this thread by Mike Gibson, and perhaps by David Houston.]

Me:

Being perfect first entails being like the Father in our character. One who is like the Father would be desirous to do the things Jesus commands. For such a one as this doing the will of the Father is considered an act of love toward him. He does not see obedience to Jesus commands as something hard or burdensome.

5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3

He does not see it as carrying around a list of do's and donts on a piece of paper that he must continually pull out and check to make sure he is doing them in a cold or ritualistic manner. The one who is perfect toward God will devote himself to the learning of Jesus teachings. They will be written upon his heart by the Holy Spirit the practice of doing them will be seen as fulfilling the first and great commandment.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

 

Is it essential to know his commands? Of course. Thats why we are given time in this life. To put learning his ways above all other things.