CONFIDENCE IN COMPLETION

CONFIDENCE IN COMPLETION

 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)  This verse of scripture has had a more profound impact on my daily walk with God than any other.  It is my LIFE-VERSE, a constant reminder that my very existence on this planet is a definite work in progress, ordered and orchestrated by Heaven’s capable, concealed and caring hands. 

 Dare I be transparent enough to concede publicly that I am indeed a “WORK IN PROGRESS?”  It is an admission that could be disturbing to some, although, all things considered, it should be painfully obvious to most.  Nevertheless, erroneous teachings have led many to believe that we will somehow ‘get it all together’ within the span of our sojourn here on earth.  My friend, here is a shocker: YOU WILL NEVER BE PERFECT!

 But how can that be, when GOD issues scriptural admonitions concerning perfection?  We quote them often, as if they are somehow easy or automatic to achieve: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)  “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (Philippians 3:15) “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:4)

 Since the Word of God is always true, it begs the question: ‘Exactly what did GOD have in mind when He mandated our perfection?”  Surely, He could not have meant that believers would never err, that we will always adhere fully to the divine will and way.  An honest examination of my own post-conversion walk (or even yours) should totally annihilate that interpretation.  Alright, for the sake of those for whom self-examination might be challenging, for one moment consider your most trusted colleagues in the Body of Christ.  Can you honestly say that they have been ABSOLUTELY PERFECT in their attitudes, actions, words, deeds, dedication, service, etcetera?  I think not.  Actually, when we boastfully attest to our “perfection,” we do considerable damage to the cause of Christ and reduce our witness to the world to the level of that which is patently absurd, non-credible and dishonest.

 Regarding our perfection, GOD had something entirely different in Mind, something quite extraordinary, but something other than that which is perceived by our logical minds.  The facts support this conclusion: We Christians are benefactors of POSITIONAL PERFECTION.  That is, via our connection to Calvary’s cross and the new birth, we become new creations “in Christ,” and are thus RENDERED perfect in faith and fellowship with Him. (II Corinthians 5:17)  In every case, positional perfection produces a constant cry for closer communion: “That I may know HIM…” (Philippians 3:10)  To wit, our status of SPIRITUAL PERFECTION begins and ends with the admission that there is always more spiritual intimacy to be sought after and achieved.  Scriptural spiritual perfection (according to Jesus) precipitates a constant “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” (Matthew 5:6)

 Here’s the bottom-line:  Notwithstanding our issues, BELIEVERS ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST.  We have been saved by His grace, and through our faith, we stand as spiritually complete products of the finished redemptive work of Calvary. (Ephesians 2:8)  But herein lies the paradox.  Although, WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SAVED (by grace through faith), WE ARE ALSO BEING SAVED.  That is, just like natural plants, we are pruned (daily) and purified (spiritually) by THE HUSBANDMAN, who utilizes a WORD PROCESS to develop us and to grow us up into Him. (John 15:1 – Ephesians 5:26 – Ephesians 4:15)  But this is not the end of the story. At His second coming, His glorious appearing, WE SHALL BE SAVED, i.e. fully delivered and set free from this carnally influenced “body of death.” (I Corinthians 15:52-53 – Romans 7:24) 

 Throughout this process, believers sustain supreme CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST TO COMPLETE US.  My life-verse bears repetition: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)  So, stop obsessing over your personal perfection.  Instead, focus on doing these things: Pray continually.  Read and meditate on God’s Word.  Tune in to His voice.  Do the daily work of His Kingdom.  Fellowship with His people.  Stay open to sound teaching and the daily direction of His Spirit.  Be steadfast and unmovable.  And maintain absolute confidence in your completion. (I Corinthians 15:58 –Hebrews 10:35) 

 Trust God.  Stay close.  Be faithful.  HE will handle the rest.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!