Be Perfect by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 21, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 15.

Be Perfect

By John Norton Loughborough

"BE ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. 5:48. How like the injunction so frequent in the Old Testament, "Be holy, for I am holy." God said to Abraham, "I am the almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect." Gen. 17:1. How he carried out this injunction is stated thus: "Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." Gen. 26:5. In Job's case the Lord gave a definition of perfection: "A perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil." Job 1:8; 2:3.

Of the process by which perfection is gained, we read, "God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect." 2 Sam. 22:33. "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Ps. 18:32. Regarding this perfecting of God's people the Lord said, "Perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee." Eze. 16:14. Of this transforming, the Saviour prayed, "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one." John 17:23. In reference to the growth of this work, the apostle enjoined, "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." 2 Cor. 13:11. Of the gifts of God's Spirit it is said, "He gave . . . for the perfecting of the saints, . . . till we all come . . . unto a perfect man." Eph. 4:11-13.

Of this process the apostles taught and prayed, "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly." 1 Thess. 5:23. "All Scripture is given . . . that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. Again, "Let us go on unto perfection." Heb. 6:1. Jesus said, "Every one that is perfect shall be as his Master." Luke 6:40. The apostle James wrote, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." James 3:2. Peter gives this encouraging testimony: "After that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10.

Now as a climax to the whole thing, we read, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." 2 Chron. 16:9.

Surrendering ourselves to God, without reserve, and claiming by faith His proffered aid, we may become perfect men in Christ Jesus. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.