Attributes of God on F.I.R.E.Sample

How do we become Perfect?

Striving for Christlikeness, which is perfection, is our goal as believers. Jesus sets the standard: "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). In Romans 4, Paul gives the means whereby we are declared righteous and standing as perfect before a holy God, “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5). In other words, Jesus, who fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17), puts into our account righteousness when we place faith in Him.

God’s design for us consists of becoming like Jesus (Romans 8:29), and we are brought into a right relationship with Him so that He views Christ’s righteousness in us. The moment a sinner places faith in Jesus he is declared righteous having been justified. God sees the former sinner as having a perfect status positionally. Paul characterizes our elevated position, “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Spiritually, because we are “heirs of God” (Romans 8:17), it is through Jesus that positionally we are considered having a perfect standing.

Even though we are positionally recognized as perfect, daily we must grow through progressive sanctification. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12–15 highlight the ongoing pursuit to be Christlike. Deliberately “forgetting those things which are behind” and pressing on to the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The Greek present tense verb rendered “I press on” shows a continual striving after something. Intentionally we must set our continual gaze upward and forward to Jesus to receive complete Christlikeness and our eternal rewards.

Our final perfection will be realized when we are transformed to reflect Christ’s glory (Philippians 3:20–21). Let the inspired words of Paul encourage your heart to stand fast daily, because God will complete the good work He’s begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

Employment Point: Strive for Christlikeness, which is perfection.