What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? Archives - Christian Questions Bible Podcast

God gave us the ability to understand and appreciate His plan of the ages by revealing that plan within the pages of the Bible. This plan is focused on the necessary steps to bring ALL of His creation – both heavenly and earthly – to an existence that will completely and forever live in harmony with one another under His mighty hand and will. In Parts I and II of this series, we looked at how that shaping and revitalizing to a state of perfection takes place. It began with the Old Testament heroes of faith, continues with the faithful disciples of Christ now, and will come to include an opportunity for each and every human being later. In this episode, we look at the nations of the world, beginning with Israel. What does the Bible tell us about the perfecting process of all these nations? Plenty!

They were God’s chosen. But what did that mean? It meant that they were responsible to live to higher standards than everyone else. They were to have God and only God as their Sovereign. They would be blessed if they complied and accountable if they didn’t. Well, we all know what happened. They always suffered consequences for their idolatry and sins and were finally cast off from God’s favor for rejecting Jesus. Ironically, this ultimate show of God’s disfavor of the nation set the stage for their future perfecting.

God’s promise to Abraham said that the nation born to him through Isaac would eventually bless all the families of the earth. Biblical prophecy plainly shows us where God’s disfavor and their being dissolved as a nation would ultimately lead them. The answer: back to their land. Back to Him. Israel’s perfecting as a favored people is not only in clearly revealed in prophecy, but its steps towards this perfecting are also clearly laid out as well. When we read these prophecies and think about this national journey back to God, it is thrilling. When we realize that the already regathered Israel as a nation in their land is the early stages of this, it’s mind-blowing!

The question is, what follows the introductory phases of God’s perfecting of Israel? The answer begins with lots of trouble that will lead to the end of this age of sin and death. The removal of the powers that rule this present evil world will be replaced by the power of God through our glorified Lord Jesus. Prophecy tells us the perfecting of Israel will set the stage for the perfecting of all the other nations of the world as well. How can this be, when the ideologies of the nations are so filled with tension and unrest? Check out our December 11, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part III)” for more. Find out how Israel and the nations of the world will learn to live in peace, harmony and loyalty to God. The biblical answers here are amazing!

The post What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part III – Israel and Nations) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

In Part I of our series, we focused on how the New Testament describes “perfection.” We found that Jesus, though perfect, had to be further “perfected” – further completed – by his personal experiences and sufferings in order to fully pay the ransom price for Adam. Similarly, but on a much smaller scale, Jesus’ disciples have a perfect beginning as well. They are given forgiveness for their sins, they are given God’s holy spirit, and they are called “sons of God.” With these perfect gifts, they also need to be “perfected’ – to be completed – in maturity in Christ. This present-day perfecting work is clearly defined in Scripture. So, what about everybody else? Does the Bible show a perfecting work for them? It does! Today we will look at another biblical perfecting process that is not as well-defined and is also a future work instead of being a present work.

Belief in the opportunity for all nonbelievers to have a future opportunity at being perfected to an earthly life is not common among Christians. The more common belief is that accepting Jesus now is the only way to be saved. However, many scriptures plainly tell us that God’s justice-based approach to humanity leaves a door of opportunity wide open. 1 Corinthians 15:22 is one of the most basic examples, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” This equation simply says that Adam brought sin and death to everyone, and Jesus took away what Adam brought. Justice is satisfied. Jesus returns things to their original state of equilibrium.

While this sounds easy, it likely provokes some really good questions. What does this canceling of Adam’s sin mean in a practical sense? Is this an invitation to heaven? What about the Day of Judgment? First and foremost, this is NOT a heavenly invitation for those who are not called to follow Jesus. It IS an invitation to the life that Adam had an opportunity for – perfect human life. Notice we have described it as an invitation and an opportunity. This means that each and every human being will have a say in the matter. This is where Judgment Day comes into play, since its function according to Scripture is to be a time of testing. This 1,000-year time period will be a time of trial so each resurrected human can earn life through learning righteousness.

All of this is in place for the purpose of perfecting the entire human race into a godly, righteous and loyal family. When you look around our world today, this looks impossible and even ridiculous. Check out our December 4, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part II)” for answers. We dig deeply into Scripture and discover just how God has this massive and complex process of perfecting humankind already in order. These scriptures show us a depth to God’s plan that often goes unnoticed. Don’t miss it!

The post What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part II – Mankind) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

God has an amazing plan that includes every human being who has ever lived. Rather than torturing billions for eternity in a fiery hell, this plan will give all of humanity a legitimate opportunity to be taught how to live in a godly and righteous way. We’re saying God’s plan gives EVERYONE an opportunity to become perfect in His sight. Now, if you look around at the condition of our world, it’s really easy to roll your eyes and think with all that’s happening, this plan of God’s is pretty lame! Well, it does look that way, but the reality is that this plan works in specific stages. There is a perfecting work happening right now, but it’s NOT focused on everyone. Our three-part series will walk through how and when Christians, non-Christians and all who have ever lived will have an opportunity for perfection.

When we think of somebody being “perfect” what do we picture in our minds? Likely we imagine someone whose physical appearance is flawless, and health is exemplary. Their mind would be sharp, intuitive and brilliant and their voice would be strong and melodious. They would be creative, personable, passionate, and they would be a superb leader. All in all, this is a tall order! We might imagine Jesus fitting such a description, but it would certainly be beyond any of the rest of us.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus was teaching about God’s graciousness of sending rain and sun upon both evil and good people. He then tells his disciples to “be perfect,” just like their Father in heaven is perfect. How can this even be possible? Perfection in the New Testament can be a tricky thing. First, there are several Greek words translated into our English Bibles as “perfect.” Second, none of them mean what our original description implied. The bottom line is these words all point to becoming complete. This can mean being complete in thought or words, actions or example.

Even though Jesus was perfect, the Bible tells us he had to be “perfected” by way of suffering and experience. The same principle applies to any true disciple of Jesus. We are given the perfect gifts of justification through the blood of Jesus and God’s holy spirit. Having these things, we are also told to strive to be “perfect” – to be complete – as Christians. What does this really mean?

Check out our November 27, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part I – The Church)” for more. We examine how we can actually spiritually grow into the “perfection” the Bible expects of us. We define the kinds of completeness, maturity and equipping that the New Testament focuses us towards accomplishing. Finally, we also lay the groundwork for examining how God’s plan actually contains a detailed perfecting process for nonbelievers as well. Join us for Part I of this 3-part series as we uncover biblical truths about Christian life, growth and perfection!

The post What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part I – The Church) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.