Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical theology, the concept of "perfects" often relates to the idea of completeness, maturity, and moral integrity. The term is derived from the Greek word "teleios," which is frequently translated as "perfect" in the New Testament. This concept is significant in understanding the nature of God, the character of Jesus Christ, and the expectations for believers.
Old Testament ContextThe Hebrew Bible uses the term "tamim" to convey the idea of being blameless or complete. For instance, in
Genesis 6:9, Noah is described as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time" . The notion of perfection here is linked to moral integrity and a wholehearted devotion to God. Similarly, in
Deuteronomy 18:13, the Israelites are commanded, "You must be blameless before the LORD your God" , emphasizing a life of obedience and faithfulness.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of perfection is expanded and deepened. Jesus Christ sets the standard for perfection, as seen in
Matthew 5:48: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" . This call to perfection is not about flawlessness but about striving for spiritual maturity and completeness in love and holiness.
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the idea of perfection in his epistles. In
Philippians 3:12-15, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on toward the goal: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" . Here, perfection is seen as a process of growth and sanctification.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of perfection is closely tied to sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" . This verse highlights the completed work of Christ on the cross, which provides the basis for believers' ongoing transformation.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the pursuit of perfection involves a commitment to spiritual growth and moral integrity. It requires reliance on the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in
Galatians 5:22-23. Believers are encouraged to strive for maturity in their faith, as seen in
James 1:4: "Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" .
In summary, the biblical concept of "perfects" encompasses the ideas of completeness, maturity, and moral integrity. It is a call for believers to reflect the character of God and to grow in their faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Library
Whether PleasurePerfects Operation?
... OF THE EFFECTS OF PLEASURE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether pleasureperfects operation?...
Objection 2: Further, nothingperfects itself or its cause....
Whether what is False Can be Held in Faith
... On the other hand: no virtue whichperfects the intellect embraces what is false,
since the false is the evil of the intellect, as the philosopher says (6...
Whether Sacramental Grace Confers Anything in Addition to the...
... For the grace of the virtues and giftsperfects the soul sufficiently, both in its
essence and in its powers; as is clear from what was said in the [4353]FS, Q...
Whether Anything False Can Come under Faith?
... On the contrary, No virtue thatperfects the intellect is related to the false,
considered as the evil of the intellect, as the Philosopher declares (Ethic....
Whether Consent to the Act Belongs Only to the Higher Part of the...
... For "delight follows action, andperfects it, just as beautyperfects youth" [*oion
tois akmaiois he hora}"as youthful vigorperfects a man in his prime...
Whether "Eubulia, Synesis, and Gnome" are virtues Annexed to...
... Consequently, that virtue whichperfects the command, viz. prudence, as obtaining
the highest place, has other secondary virtues annexed to it, viz....
The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
... Thomas teaches, "the glory of heaven does not destroy nature; butperfects it."*
Therefore, when Scripture tells us that "we shall be changed," we must not...
Pleasures of the Glorified Senses.
... Now, as glory does not destroy the nature of the body, butperfects it, it follows
that all the blessed must rise with their five senses in their full...
Concerning "Perfect" and "One. "
... It contains all things beforehand in Itself and overflows in one ceaseless, identical,
[497] abundant and inexhaustible supple, whereby Itperfects all perfect...
Preface.
... Granted the prolonged decadence of the language, yetperfects are not aorists, nor
aoristsperfects, the middle is a middle, there are classical constructions...
Thesaurus
Perfects (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Perfects (1 Occurrence). Daniel 2:48 Then the
king hath made Daniel great, and many great gifts he hath
...Finisher (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who finishes, puts an end to, completes,
orperfects; esp. used in the trades, as in hatting...
Finish (35 Occurrences)
... polish. 3. (vi) To come to an end; to terminate. 4. (vi) To end; to die.
5. (n.) That which finishes, puts an end to/ orperfects. 6...
Perfectness (2 Occurrences)
Promoted (9 Occurrences)
... made Daniel great, and many great gifts he hath given to him, and hath caused him
to rule over all the province of Babylon, and chief of theperfects over all...
Perfidious (1 Occurrence)
Presidents (5 Occurrences)
... 6:2-7). The name in the original is sarkhin, probably a Persian word meaningperfects
or ministers. Multi-Version Concordance Presidents (5 Occurrences)....
Accomplishment (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which completes,perfects, or equips thoroughly; acquirement; attainment;
that which constitutes excellence of mind, or elegance of manners...
Type (12 Occurrences)
... Whatever God touches, be it a mighty sun or an insect's wing, a vast prophecy or
a little type, Heperfects for the place and the purpose He has in mind....
Joel (22 Occurrences)
... people." In point of fact, as the Hebrew student will perceive, all the verbs from
2:15 may be read, with a change of the points, as simpleperfects, with the...
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