Lecture Notes: Perfection According to the Bible

Introduction

• Discussion on what the Bible says about being perfect.
• Contradiction between the world's view that perfection is unattainable and the biblical perspective.
• Christianity often misleads people into believing perfection isn't possible, giving them a license to sin.

Examples from the Old Testament

Noah

• Genesis 6:9: "Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations."
• Noah is cited as an example of perfection.

Abraham

• Genesis 17:1: God appeared to Abram and instructed him to "walk before me and be thou perfect."
• Sirach 44:19-20: Abraham kept the laws of God, which defined his perfection.
  • Law Keeping: Abraham's faith was shown through his adherence to God's commandments.

Job

• Job 1:1: Job was described as "perfect and upright, one that feared God."
• Job is another example of a biblical figure who maintained perfection through righteousness.

Perfection in the New Testament

Teachings of Christ

• Matthew 5:48: Christ commands, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
• The New Testament continues to emphasize the possibility of achieving perfection through Christ.

Understanding Righteousness

• Deuteronomy 6:25: Righteousness is defined as observing to do all God's commandments.
• 1 Kings 8:61: Be perfect by walking in God's statutes and keeping His commandments.

Conversion and Understanding through the Law

The Role of God's Law

• Psalms 19:7: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." The law brings about a transformation, converting people to righteous ways.

Achieving Wisdom

• Psalms 111:10: Understanding comes from doing God's commandments.
• 1 Chronicles 28:9: Solomon is advised to know God and serve Him with a perfect heart by keeping His commandments.

Misconceptions Addressed

The Law of Sacrifice

• Hebrews 10:1: The sacrifices under the old covenant could not make people perfect.
• Under Christ, perfection is attainable, contrasting with the limitations of the law of sacrifice.

Conclusion

Final Encouragement

• Psalms 37:37: "Mark the perfect man… for the end of that man is peace," indicating that perfection leads to peace.
• Believers are encouraged to strive for perfection through adherence to God's commandments, despite what others may suggest.

Closing Remarks

• IUIC TV offers live Sabbath classes for further learning.

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Key Takeaways

• Perfection is attainable and is associated with following God's commandments.
• Both Old and New Testaments provide examples and teachings that support the pursuit of perfection.