Church of God, Carmichael, CA

SALVATION

D. S. Warner, Orignial Publishing Date, unknown

[Original Page Numbers]

SALVATION MAKES US PERFECT 

  It is a very common utterance in the camp of formality that no one may hope to be perfect in this life. But what says the Word ?

  1. Perfection is commanded both in the Old and New Testaments.

  "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. "—Gen. 17: 1.

  "Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God."— Deut. 18: 13.

  "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy Father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. " —1 Chron. 28: 9.

  "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. "—Matt. 5: 48.

  "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. "—Luke 6:40.

  "Having therefore these promises dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."— 2 Cor. 7:1

  "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. "

  "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."—2 Cor. 13:9, 11.

  " Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. "—Heb. 6: 1.

  2. Perfection is fully provided for.

  " It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. "—Psa. 18: 32.

  " The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me. " —Psa. 138: 8.

  Since it is God himself who proposes to make us perfect, can there be any lack of power to accomplish the work? "As for God his way is perfect."— Psa. 18: 30. "And the meek he will teach his way." —Psa. 25: 9. Yea he " shall set us in the way of his steps."—Psa. 85:13. And "give his angels charge over us to keep us in his way."—91:11. Therefore the righteous " do no iniquity: they walk in His ways."—119: 3. "And they shall sing in the ways of the Lord. "—138: 5.

  What a beautiful wreath of heavenly truth these Scriptures compose: and the same might be much enlarged They show us that God's way is perfect, and he makes known to us his own precious way, and sets [29] our feet in the same, and keeps us therein. Praise his name ! First, then, among the provisions for our perfection may be set down the infinite God Himself. All the power and wisdom of the Omnipotent are pledged to make us perfect, and preserve us blameless. Who then can say we can not be perfect in this life?

  But this is not all. Speaking of "his saints,"—are you one of them!—we read, "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus"— Col. 1: 27, 28. The revelation of Christ is given to make us perfect.

  "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."—Col. 4:12 The ministry of Christ are commissioned to make the saints perfect, and complete in all the will of God. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."—Eph. 4:11, 12. "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[30]

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5334 Whitney Ave. Carmichael, CA. 95608
Pastor, Bill Cornelison, Church Telephone (916) 482-7128