Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary
principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection.
Heb 6.1
With many believers seemingly content to remain babes in
‘ need (of) milk and not solid food’ (5.12), it makes this plea to go past the elementary truths of the gospel into the land of full maturity (perfection) even more applicable today. The reluctance to grow up has caused enough damage and the Spirit of God is now calling the church to become spiritual adults.
When ‘worms’ (Joel 1.4) ate away at the pristine glory of the early church, sacred ‘landmarks’ were lost (cf. Prov.22.28).
Some have been recovered, for example, by nailing his thesis to the cathedral door Luther (and others) helped restore justification by faith with the ‘born again’ experience for the repentant soul. This recovered personal fulfillment of the
‘Feast of Passover’, though personal fulfillment of the ‘Feast of Pentecost’—the second installment of salvation—had to wait until the 20th century with full recovery of the ‘Baptism with the Holy Spirit’. As to personal fulfillment of the ‘Feast of Tabernacles’, this must wait until believers are granted entrance into the ‘land’ of perfection and divine rest.
All of this begs the question of why has the church not progressed in salvation beyond the fulfillment of the first two
‘feasts’. Do we blame it on wanting to camp around what has already been recovered, i.e., believers are comfortable with what is restored? It certainly seems to answer why so many still choose to call themselves ‘Lutherans’, ‘Baptists’,
‘Presbyterians’, ‘Evangelicals’, ‘Pentecostals’, etc.—all names associated with past recoveries. However, the more likely reason for this lack of progress is the caveat attached to this
divine appeal quoted above—the added words of, ‘ this we will do if God permits’ (6.3). In other words, the church has not yet reached maturity because Heaven has not issued the necessary
‘permit’. Progress beyond the current state is paused as Heaven has judged its ‘foundation’ is still not sufficiently reinforced.
They issue the permit to build the superstructure of a new dwelling only after the foundation is assessed to be strong enough. Considering the current health of ‘the body of Christ’, a judgment by Heaven most will agree with., Even after years of following the Lord, too many believers remain as spiritual
‘babies’, not even having progressed to become ‘young children’ or ‘adolescents’ in the faith. In my judgment, a sorry state due mainly to the large number of converts ‘beginning their walk of faith either as ‘still born’ or ‘premature’ babies—
their ‘new birth’ was deficient. (For further thoughts on this, read my eBook ‘The Keys to Living in the Kingdom’. Email me for a free copy.)
Of course, many of these are mere ‘adherents’ to the faith, showing clear signs the basics of repentance and dedication to a life of discipleship are missing. With others, the deficiency almost certainly lies in them not being water baptized and/or experiencing the pentecostal ‘gift of the Spirit’ (Acts 2.38)—
two pillars for a solid spiritual foundation. Hence, the striving to maintain a holy life over the long haul and enjoy genuine
‘Kingdom Living’. But of concern also, the ‘houses of worship’
where many gather; these too often lack a solid foundation, one laid down by apostles and prophets (Eph 2.20). It seems clear, then, Heaven will only issue the permit to go on to maturity after these missing underpinnings (personal and corporate) are in place.
Thankfully, the church has seen the recovery of the ministry of prophets and prophecy in the last century. Not fully, but enough to recognize it as the ongoing realization of the
‘Blowing of Trumpets’. Concerning the other elements in this
last feast, who knows if the current generation will see their fulfillment. What is certain, however, is the imperative to have
‘ears to hear’ what genuine prophets will ‘trumpet’ to prepare the church for what lies ahead. Such ‘voices’ have been heard already, but more anointed vessels are yet to declare what the church needs to hear before the fulfillment of the ‘Day of Atonement’ is finalized—and after that, the ‘Feast of Ingathering’ (Ex 34.22).
Israel’s arrival at their inheritance after wandering in the wilderness for forty years was a momentous juncture in the life of the nation. Far-reaching, because they now had to decide whether to enter this promised land or remain safe from the fierce fighting it would take to possess it. This same decision confronts the church today as the fulfillment of the final elements in this Feast of Tabernacles draws ever closer. The choice between possessing the inheritance of ‘perfection’ or remaining immature and largely ineffective. A decision sure to elicit deep searching within many hearts.
The church also has wandered for too long in a wilderness without entering its inheritance—not for forty years, but for
‘forty jubilees’ (40 x 50 years). Fortunately, leaders like Joshua are being raised up to ‘take us in’ to what is promised. That is, apostles, prophets, and other ‘five-fold’ ministries with the courage and vision to possess ‘the land’ of perfection. Yet, not only they must be ‘ strong and very courageous’ (Josh 1.7); every believer needs these traits to defeat the ‘giants’ stopping possession. The traits also necessary if they are to heed the words of ‘exhortation, edification, and comfort’ (1Cor 14.3) these ministries herald. Making urgent the need for believers to shake off unbelief, cowardice, rebellion, and hardness of heart—all traits opposed to being ‘strong and courageous’.
Does anyone not believe it is time the church grew up and stopped being an eternal infant? I hope not as Juan Ortiz (the famous Argentinian pastor) expressed this exact sentiment
more than fifty years ago; he also said, “living selfish, self-satisfied lives has gone on too long”. Now, it seems to me this reluctance to grow up is fed by another factor; namely, the subconscious fear about the responsibilities this maturity will bring. If true, this must be discarded—it is self-defeating. As is the current childish dependence on substitutes for true maturity, and by this I mean basking vicariously in the spirituality of celebrity ministers of God. That is, in the very ones appointed to bring believers to maturity so they don’t need to rely on them. (Cf Judges 17.12,13) How can the church grow up when these ministries do the praying, seeking the Lord, or the other responsibilities believers have?
This sorry state is not helped when the ‘status quo’ has too many running constantly to these ‘great ones’ for the laying on of hands for healing, a blessing, or a word of prophecy. When they also change their ‘diapers’ and ‘spoon-feed’ them the Word of God it is hard not to get away from the fact the church is still largely immature. And if this is not holding the church back, then it is the over-dependence on proxies for renewing personal spiritual life—iPods, internet religious sites, and TV
preachers. Or, then again, believers' satisfaction with the status quo because then they get to play with new spiritual ‘toys’ that entertain and distract—novel doctrines, spiritual techniques, or ecstatic experiences. If the church is to grow up, all this has to end; along with ‘spitting the dummy’ like babies to move on to another church if the current one doesn't pander to their needs.
With the huge number of believers also still unable to carry their burdens, let alone those of others (Cf. Gal 6.2-5), no wonder maturity eludes.
Paul says we are immature if there is also ‘ envy, strife and divisions’ (1Cor 3.3) or when ‘selfish ambition or conceit’
motivates rather than ‘in lowliness of mind…(we) esteem others better than’ (Phil 2.3) ourselves. If I am honest, the ‘stinking thinking’ on display in the lives of too many believers—even
those who have been ‘in the way’ (pun intended) for years. Or, if it's not that, it is the lack of generosity and reticence to sacrifice for the common good—immature conduct also. To see juvenile or adolescent behavior like this characterize the church when it should be much further along the path to maturity is not only sad, it is damaging its testimony.
I trust you agree, then, it is long past time for the church to
'grow up' (5.14). To display a maturity evidenced by the quality of love shown (Matt 5.48), the unity in doctrine (faith) and spirit with fellow believers it enjoys (Eph 4.13), in not being tossed by ‘winds’ of false doctrine (Eph 4.11-14), and in stopping ‘wolves’ from ravaging God’s flock (Acts 20.29). All factors in this failure of the church to reach maturity, and stopping the divine purposes being realized in this age. A tragedy when this impacts Heaven’s plan for the ‘heathen’ to have their final witness to the gospel. Mature manifestations of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit are crucial to this.
MATURITY AND THE KINGDOM
Paul also reminds us (Gal 4.1ff) how children must be kept under guardians until mature enough to handle their inheritance.
Immaturity together with a substantial inheritance is a recipe for disaster. An important axiom in natural life but also for the church about to inherit greatly magnified authority and power.
It is why only mature ‘sons’ (this includes daughters) are to be entrusted with the ‘ riches of the kingdom’ (Esth 1.4); who Paul identifies as having received their ‘adoption' (Rom 8.23). Now this term is not what modern gentiles understand, but the Jewish practice defined by the Greek word, ‘huiothesia’
(Str 5206 -‘ huios’, son, and ‘ thesis’, placing). (See Gal 4.5).
Vines Expository Dictionary, says this about it:‘Adoption involves the dignity of the relationship believers have as sons; that is, it is not a putting into the family by spiritual birth, but a putting them into the position of ‘sons’ . Gentiles know only the
Roman practice of taking into the family one born outside of it whereas Jewish ‘adoption’ is the placement of a natural-born son as an adult within the family, i.e., they are no longer regarded as immature. Equivalent to their Bar Mitzvah today, Only after their ‘adoption’ and ‘placement’ will Heaven, then, have the mature sons and daughters it can trust to manage the inheritance they are due. A maturity so they are worthy to
‘receive the kingdom’ (12.28) in its fullness and be continually
‘led by the Spirit’ (Rom 8.14) of God. But a maturity also with the discernment and wisdom required to steward the unmatched power and authority in their responsibilities as co-rulers with Christ. Immaturity rules out such a role as it not only means they suffer loss but also those dependent on them.
The divine plan, then, is not only for the ‘ONE’ (Christ) son already made perfect but for many ‘sons’ to share in the
‘family business’ of ruling creation. Heaven, therefore, continues to work to conform a company of believers to the image of His perfect Son (Rom 8.29), and why the Godhead is grieved when believers refuse to ‘put away childish things’
(1Cor 13.11). Now believers often insist they are mature already; not only a delusion, but it also derails this divine call to pursue perfection.
A NEW FRAMEWORK
The ‘framework’ or mindset a believer works within, to a large extent, determines growth in the knowledge of Christ. For many, their ‘framework’ is one highly conscious of sin and the need for its expiation. Often also fixated on escaping divine judgment even with trivial failures in righteousness. Peace with God and a life free of guilt matter most. Many of these believers also lament over how unworthy and weak a sinner they are; not an edifying mindset for those destined to attain
‘perfection’ and inherit the Kingdom. Yes, the goal of
‘perfection’ depends on total victory over sin, yet obsessing
over the failure to meet certain (often self-imposed) standards doesn't help in progressing towards it.
Rather than focusing on the salvation received already, it should be on where a believer hopes to arrive. Agonizing over sin, its propitiation, and forgiveness only keeps a believer from seeing this glorious future. Yes, no one must forget the cost of redemption from sin—the sacrifice of the Son of God no less—
but what is past is past, and the future beckons. By looking backward, it was why the children of Israel failed to appreciate the divine goal of being delivered from Egypt. This blindness as to why Heaven had freed them from bondage meant they had little to spur them on—making the ‘crash’ in the wilderness inevitable. If the church is to possess its promised
‘land of plenty’, the motivation and sense of direction from focusing on the future will be crucial. Yes, never forgetting the Cross and redemption from sin, yet looking to what it secured and Christ paid for more than merely a 'fire-escape' from hell.
Believers in the endtimes are to ‘lift their head’ (Lk 21.28), looking to the return of the ‘bridegroom’ and what this means in reaching the goal of full maturity. That is to say, focus on when the church will be, ‘ children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked…generation’ (Phil 2.15). With this as their focus, they can better appreciate how tribulations are the training Heaven orders to mature faith. That is, patiently accept the times of trial and anguish, even the shame of failing to be victorious in them, especially if the result is sin.
COMPLETE REDEMPTION
The ‘frame of reference’ believers need in the endtimes is the ‘ complete redemption’ (9.12 AMB) they have in Christ.
That is, what the Cross secured, and it was far more than merely a remedy for the penalty (guilt) of sin. Calvary also secured full deliverance from its power, thus (potentially) rectifying every consequence of the original ‘fall’ into sin.
Now, the human spirit of a believer enjoys this liberty already, likewise, the soul as it is progressively sanctified. But when the blood of the Cross secured this same liberty for the human body, believers are entitled to look also for release from sickness and disease. (Cf. Is 53.4,5 HCSB) Even emancipation from death once the ‘law of sin and death’ (Rom 8.2) no longer holds sway. A hope of deliverance for body, soul, and spirit they can rightly rejoice in.
Now, you may object to this hope of freedom from death and decay in the human body before reaching heaven. Saying, most likely, such an outcome from the atonement is a fantasy, even a delusion. But this forgets the patriarchs of old (mainly before the flood) lived far longer than we do now, some to almost a thousand years. The mortal body, then, does not sentence humans to a mere ‘three score and ten’. Now, I realize when Paul said, ‘He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you’ (Rom 8.11), this mainly is a reference to the resurrection.
Yet there is every reason to believe his words also promise the overcoming of death’s sway before then. You may be in for a surprise, then, if you believe full victory over ‘sin and (therefore) death’ is only enjoyed in the next age. (If you believe this is due to the ‘fallen nature’, I address this later.) Surely it is not difficult to accept God wants to be glorified in a greater way in the human body (Cf.1Cor 6.20). While a righteous life brings Him the most glory, it is not unreasonable to accept the defeat of bodily decay and death in this age (even if the outcome is only the healing of disease and infirmity) also will bring Him glory. Especially when the typology of the
‘Scapegoat’ taking away sin from the ‘camp’ on the ‘Day of Atonement’ is to be fulfilled before this age ends. Rightly interpreted, it means believers can expect the secret return of Christ will see sin removed from those kept in a safe ‘place’.
And once sin loses its hold, then so must its ‘sting’ of death
(1Cor 15.55,56). Believers, then, can rightly look forward to when the Spirit of God so quickens their ‘mortal coil’ it will escape its ‘appointment with death’ (Ps 102.20 ).
Though believers often testify, ‘ old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new’ (2Cor 5.17), this
‘newness’ (mainly in the physical body) is not yet fully manifest. Most expositors, therefore, put off its full realization into the millennium or beyond. What they also do with these words of Paul, ‘ when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away’ (1Cor 13.10). But when Heaven's plan is for the ‘perfect’ to be manifest in this current age (minus the bodily resurrection), both understandings misinterpret the texts. Moreover, when the divine intention is for believers to ‘shine as the sun’ (Matt 13.43) in a final witness to the gospel in a world deeply darkened by sin, this says perfection includes the defeat of death—the ‘last enemy’
(1Cor 15.26). This testimony to the ungodly is only possible when the ‘fruits’ and the ‘gifts’ of the Holy Spirit also manifest perfectly. Unless the ‘perfect has come’, the ungodly will never be ‘amazed’ (Cf Lk 5.26) and (even begrudgingly) ‘ glorify (the) Father in heaven’ (Matt 5.16)
TRIALS AND SUFFERING
‘Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so…you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ (Jam 1.2-4 NIV).
To make any real sense of trials requires understanding their vital role in reaching maturity, the perfection James says in the verse above is ‘lacking nothing’. Though believers quote,
‘many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all’ (Ps 34.19), these words cannot override the positive outcomes from the trials allowed by Heaven.
Believers seeking to escape them only thwart the divine
intention for ‘faith and patience’ (6.12) especially to increase—two traits critical to enduring the turmoil and inheriting the promises. As Hebrews reminds us, traits forged often in the heat of trials and suffering. Even if extremely hard to comprehend, ‘rejoice in all (y)our tribulations’ (Rom 5.3
NAS) as the outcome is an ‘ eternal weight of glory’ ( 2Cor 4.17), not the outcome you fear.