Man cannot be perfect as Christ who did no sin. Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. But man can achieve a state of perfection that exceeds all understanding. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”. Perfection in the eyes of God is complete obedience to the word of God.
The perfection God requires of man is “as pertaining to the conscience;” Hebrews 9:9, “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;”. Take a closer look at the phrase in Hebrews 9:9, “Which was a figure for the time then present”. The family of God at that “present” time was being taught obedience by the Law. But the Law was a shadow of good things to come. Hebrews 10:1 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” What Paul is saying here is that the time has come that man can reach a state of perfection. But now, Hebrews 13:20, “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. “Perfect in every good work to do His will” is the perfection God is seeking for His children. James said you reach this state by the trying of your faith, James 1:2, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
What is the perfect will of God? Romans 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. That sounds impossible, but, nothing is impossible with God. The way man can be perfect, is to have the same will in his heart as God. 1 Kings 8:61, Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
The bible says Hezekiah had a perfect heart, 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.
Paul said in 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”. Paul knew not to be boastful or high minded, because he knew his race was not over and he must endure unto the end. Following after, continuing in his faith and obedience to His word are what brings us to perfection. 3:13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: (even though Paul and others had reached a state of perfection, he says so in verse 15), but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, (don’t let your past keep you from perfection today) and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 3:15 Let us (including himself) therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you “.
