p. 86 | Perfection by L. V. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 28, 1871

Perfection.

By L. V. Smith

We are told by some that because we are fallen beings, we are born to sin, and, consequently, cannot avoid sinning. I believe no such thing. It seems to me that the aim of such is altogether too low, and that they are framing a permission to do wrong.

I know we are naturally sinners, and with the natural heart it is impossible to please God; yet there is a way for our deliverance. For Jesus has said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Therefore, since we can be born again, and this time unto righteousness, why need we sin? John 3: 1-7.

Why does Jesus exhort us to be perfect if it is utterly impossible? In his notable sermon on the mount, Matt. 5: 4, 8, he says: “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.”

It is true we cannot become perfect in a day; but according to the Scriptures, we can in time. An apostle has given us the rule for perfection. See 2 Pet. 1: 1-11.

Paul tells us that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17.

Enoch and Elijah were translated. I think they must have been perfect, or the Lord would not have taken them to Heaven. Job was a perfect man. Job. 1: 1. The Bible informs us that Zacharias and Elizabeth were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. Luke 1: 6. Noah, Lot, and Abraham, were not found wanting.

I might mention others; but the lives of these people afford sufficient proof to show that it is possible for mortal man to reach perfection, when assisted by the great God. With such examples before me for my encouragement, I am resolved to make perfection my aim. For I greatly desire to be one of those who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory and honor and immortality. Not that I expect to reap the reward; of everlasting life because of well-doing. No, indeed; I will trust to the merits of the crucified One for that; but because the word of God has said that faith and works must go together.

Therefore, to become perfect, or Christlike, we must have faith and works walk hand in hand in our experience. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” James 2: 18-22.

“'Tis faith that purifies the heart; 'Tis faith that works by love; That bids all sinful joys depart, And lifts the thoughts above. “Faith shows the promise fully sealed With our Redeemer's blood: It helps our feeble hope to rest Upon a faithful God. This faith shall every fear control, By its celestial power, With holy triumph fill the soul In strong temptation's hour.”

L. V. SMITH.