BY ELD A. S. HUTCHINS
THERE is much said in the word of God on the subject of perfection. Writing to his brethren at Corinth, Paul says, “And this also we wish, even your perfection.” Man in his fallen state is represented as “having no hope, and without God in the world.” Again, we read, “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8:7 To attain unto this most desirable state of holiness before Him who reads every thought and motive of the heart, certain steps are necessary, which are made plain in the sacred Scriptures. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : that the man of God may be • perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2Tim. 3:16, 17
The words of our Saviour are, “Ye must be born again.” Jn. 3:7 The testimony of the apostle is, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12:14 The first stop in the way of perfection, is justification from past sin and transgression. Rom. 4:25; 5:16; 5:18 Speaking of Jesus, Paul says he “was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification;” Rom. 4:25 and then exclaims, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1 This act on the part of the Majesty of heaven toward the believing penitent, brings him into peace and communion with God. Otherwise expressed, the apostle declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1 To such an one the righteousness of Christ is imputed; his transgression is forgiven, his “sin is covered;” Psa. 32:1 the work of sanctification has commenced, and he has begun to learn in the school of Christ, where he is to develop a perfect character, and a growth in grace. “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2Pet. 1:11
Character-building is not accomplished by the impulse of an hour or of a day. It is digging deep, and building upon the Rock Christ Jesus, studying his life of sacrifice, humility, and obedience, and constantly seeking in all we do, to conform thereto. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.” Heb. 6:1
Are we inclined to think our warfare accomplished, because our sins are pardoned, and we have received a great blessing? Are we inclined to shout, “I am saved ! I know I am” It would be well to read the words of the Master, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Mat. 24:13 Mk. 13:13 There are temptations and trials to be endured, as well as blessings to be experienced. And we need patience to endure, 2Thes. 1:4 and wait God’s appointed time for the victor’s reward. “Knowing this,” says James, “that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Jas. 1:3 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Jas. 1:4
The apostle tells us more about suffering with Christ, and for Christ’s sake, in the perfection of His character, than he does of the happy flights of fooling which He experienced, or of His assurance that He was saved. Of Him, the Lord, who met him on his way to Damascus, said, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts. 9:16 His testimony is, “We glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:3-5 “Rejoicing in hope of the glory of God,” Rom. 12:12 and glorying in tribulation, was the experience of this devoted, suffering servant of God; “reaching forth unto those things which are before,” Php. 3:13 and pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Php 3:14
Under the proclamation of the last message of mercy, a people will, through the efficacy of faith in the blood of the Redeemer, and obedience to God’s holy law, perfect a character to stand in the judgment of the great day, and to join in redemption’s song, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” Rev. 5:12 “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” Rev. 14:12 The truths of this message received into the heart, and developed in the life, will prepare the remnant church (“remnant church” is God’s people; see upward look p. 315) to stand without fault before the throne of God. Rev. 14:5 Let us—
“Lift the cross, and clasp It tighter,
Lift ! brother, lift !
Lifting makes the burden lighter, Lift ! brother, lift.”
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, September 4, 1888