THE PERFECT CHURCH

 

THE PERFFECT CHURCH

The perfect church is full of sinners. It's true. Romans 3:23 (KJV) says, “For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sinners gather together to worship Christ knowing they can be holy only through Him. And only the holy enter heaven.

Yes, the people in the church were and are spiritually sick. Mark 2:17 (KJV) says, "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Repentance and baptism lead to a cleansing of the soul. 

That’s not to say the devil can’t make his way into the church. 1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: (John 10:10, KJV).” "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8, KJV).” "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus came to make us holy. Before He came we were all unholy, for all have sinned. Genesis 4:7 - If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

When Paul was writing to the church in Corinth it was because there were problems in the church and Paul was telling them to work out those problems until all are of one mind, to live in peace and to be perfect. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you (II Cor. 13:11, KJV).” To be of one mind means everyone is in agreement. There is no dissension or threat of division. The Bible is not a smorgasbord from which we can pick and choose what part of the Word we want to devour and what part we want to pass on by. We must obey God's Word -- all of it.

So, how do we as sinners become perfect? When the people heard Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, they were cut to the heart and wondered what they could do to be saved. Acts 2:38 was his response: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:46-47 KJV) The people added to the church needed to be saved and the only way to be saved is through Jesus. Other verses indicate that part of being saved is believing, confessing and obeying God's Word.

The truth is, there is no perfect church if one is sought with no hypocrites or sinners. The church is not a building or a religion but a body of believers in Christ -- broken people seeking comfort and refuge, and sinners made holy by the blood of Jesus. The perfect church includes you.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Hebrews 2:10
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.

1 Corinthians 1:10

(A Church Divided Over Leaders)

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Hebrews 10:14

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Hebrews 11:40
...since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Hebrews 12:23

...to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Becky Wall

beckyowall.blogspot.com

See also my blog "Once Saved, Always Saved?"