"LET US GO ON UNTO PERFECTION"
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 THE WRITER of the book of Hebrews gives a forceful admonition in Hebrews 6:1-3 that would be "good" for all of us to heed. It reads, "Therefore leaving the principles [beginning] of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God…And this will we do, if God permit." In the context of the chapter right before he had chided his readers by saying, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat" (Hebrews 5:12).
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I. WHAT IS MEANT BY "PERFECTION"?
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"Full Age," Maturity = Perfection
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 In view of this, what does he mean by "perfection" when he said, "Let us go on unto perfection"? Does he have a sinless state in mind that they will attain or what? A clue is found in 5:14, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Of this expression "full age," a simple amplifying footnote, "perfect," is supplied in the margin of our Bibles. The Greek word behind this is teleios and comes from the same stem that is translated "perfection" (teleiotes) in 6:1. Both retain the idea of completion, reaching the goal, according to the lexicons. Perfection indicates reaching maturity in Christ. And the writer of the book of Hebrews humbly identifies himself with his readers, after admonishing them to "go on unto perfection," by saying, "And this will we do, if God permit" (6:3). We are ever reaching toward greater maturity.
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"Teleios," Good, and Righteous
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 The use of this word (teleios), usually translated "perfect" in the King James Version of the Bible, is much like the use of the words "good" and "righteous" in the Scriptures at times. All of these words can be used in an absolute sense and in a limited, relative sense. Let us verify this assertion.
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None "Good" But God
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 We are told about the rich young ruler who came running to Jesus. He "asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God" (Mark 10:17,18). What is the meaning of Jesus’ answer? He had called Jesus "Good Master." Is Jesus disclaiming deity by asking him why he had asked such a question, since only God was good? No! The Lord is wanting him to think about what he has just said. He had unwittingly confessed the deity of Christ. Now, to obey what the Lord is about to require of him, he will have to believe in what he has thoughtlessly affirmed. By calling Jesus "Good Master," he had called him God. In the absolute and final sense there is none good except God.
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"A Good Man"
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 But wait! There are people who are called "good" in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Examples: Psalms 37:23; Proverbs 12:2; Matthew 12:35; Luke 23:50; Acts 11:24. Putting the "good man" and the wicked in sharp contrast, Proverbs 12:2 declares, "A good man obtaineth favor of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn." Acts 11:24 beautifully describes Barnabas by saying that "he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost [Spirit]."
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Absolute and Relative Sense
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 Therefore, "good" is used in an absolute sense and in a relative sense in the Scriptures. It is absolute when we are talking about God. His goodness is perfect and without flaw. But when man is called "good," it is in a limited, relative sense. Some people, when compared to others, are "good." But, put along beside of God, "There is none good but one, that is, God."
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"None Righteous, No, Not One"—But…
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 Furthermore, claiming that "all are under sin" (Romans 3:9), the apostle Paul strongly asserts to the Romans, "There is none righteous, no, not one" (3:10). Then further on in this chapter he declares that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (3:23). However, in this same epistle Paul speaks of a righteous man. Romans 5:7 and 8 read, "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure [perhaps] for a good man [hey, there’s that "good man" again] some would even dare to die. But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." James tells us that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Yes, like in the usage of the word "good," man is righteous only in a relative sense.
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Spoken Of As Being "Perfect"
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 We think of God as being perfect. But the word "perfect" (teleios) is also used in reference to man. Although Christ told the rich young ruler there was none good but God, he instructed him, "If thou wilt be perfect [teleios], go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" (Matthew 19:21). In contrast with worldly wisdom, and having reference to spiritual wisdom, Paul said that "we speak wisdom among them [Christians] that are perfect [teleios]" (I Corinthians 2:6). The word "perfect" (teleios) likewise appears in Philippians 3:15 when Paul wrote, "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded…"
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Significance of "Perfect" Illustrated
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 Again, what is the significance of this word perfect (teleios)? As we have already stated, the word basically means to be complete or to finish something, to reach the goal. And it is used in reference to reaching a degree of maturity in Christ. So attests the lexicons. In this same book where Paul speaks of Christians who are "perfect" (I Corinthians 2:6; KJV rendering), the word is found two other times (I Corinthians 13:10; 14:20). These references well illustrate the meaning of the word. I Corinthians 13:10 reads, "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." The verse before says, "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part." Here we have the coming of the "perfect" (that which is complete, it has been finished). It is put in sharp contrast with the "in part" situation. Like Hebrews 5:14, I Corinthians 14:20 well illustrates the meaning of maturity. It reads, "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men [teleios]." Here "children" and "men" are put in vivid contrast, emphasizing the meaning of each word. "Men" is the same word that is elsewhere translated "perfect."
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"Perfect" Equals Attaining Maturity
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 Yes, it is much like the Scriptural use of the words "good" and "righteous." When speaking of God, these words are absolute in their meaning. When talking about man, they are limited and relative. God is perfect; He is complete, totally in every way and in everything. Man is not. His moral attainment must ever be thought of in the relative sense as he grows in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. He can only be "perfect" in the sense of reaching a more settled and advanced stage of maturity, as he becomes more and more like Christ.

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