Beloved, if God loved us this way, we also are indebted to love one
another. No one has seen God but if we love one another God abides in
us, and his love exists perfected in us.*
Our topic is perfection in love so to understand what it means to be perfected in love let us look at the word perfected (teleioō) to perfect, complete, finish, accomplish. It is derived from the root word "tele" which we use today in words like telescope, telephone, telecommunication, and television which speaks of distant : at a distance : over a distance.* The end goal of perfection is that we become like Christ and if we truly are in Christ such is our true nature. Jesus suffered and was perfected in truth and so are we. Also we see the love of the Father was the bond that led Jesus into perfection. And so it is with us, we are perfected in truth and the bond of love is the glue that keeps us looking intently into truth, leading to perfection. In Christ we are being perfected in agape love.
What manner of love is this? From scriptures we know that redemption required a kinsman, so the Word of God became a man. Paul writes this New covenant or will or testament required a death, thus because one had to die to establish a will he came to die. It is a new covenant in his blood. The forgiveness of sin required a spotless lamb so Paul writes, therefore he came into the world saying "sacrifice and offering you did not desire but a body you prepared for me."* He came to do the will of God.* Paul writes he was tempted as we but without sin, he had to live a perfect life to be a spotless lamb. On the cross Jesus said it is finished, teleo, and before he said "I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and the third day perfected."* We know the third day he rose again.
I glorified you on earth, perfecting (teleioō) the work you gave me to do.*
Surely a body was prepared for the purpose of doing God's will, in his birth, life, death, and resurrection he accomplished the end goal of God's will. To make his name known and to give the words of the Father to man. The center piece of such words was God so loved the world... There was a grand purpose and it was of love, in that the Law had judged and condemned man, saying there is none, not one that exists righteous. In love God's mercy triumphed his judgment. The character of his love was displayed in that he sent his only Son who came not to condemn the world but to save it.* It is why the new covenant is in his blood, a and dispensation of grace. Oh, what love that we are called children of God. And such we exist because Jesus came to give us the power to become children. What manner of love is this? it is agape love, godly love, yes, because he exists love. Instead of judgment and condemnation he sent his Son.
As many did accept him he gave the power to become children of God, those believing in his name.*
And more, it was Jesus who created all things that exist, thus it would be him to establish the means of us to become a new creation, he being the first fruit of such. It is an amazing thing what he accomplished, finished. This power is given to those who believe in His name, thus as John writes, what else matters, but to believe in Him and to love one another. If God exists love which manner was displayed in that he would choose to love, to send his Son, to show mercy over judgment. And if God loves so and we exist born of God, then we should love each other as God loves. The world doesn't love nor does the world know truth, thus they do not need to conform to truth, but they need to believe. In which I believe the greatest evangelistic tool the Church has is to love one another. This love Jesus said the world should know us by. In context John writes test the spirits to see if they believe in Jesus but also do they love as he loves. If they are of the world they will speak like the world, love the things of the world, and will not love their brother like Jesus does.
And perfected he became for all those who listen to him the source of eternal salvation.*
Salvation is eternal. God does not adopt you, make you his own child then kick you out of the family because you do not perform up to his standards, no. this is earthly understanding. He chooses by grace and perfects in love. Truth here is implied that you are in Christ, born of God, if so you exist truth as Christ is in you who is truth. Thus it is truth in love. God judges the heart and it is with the heart man believes, and so he gives us a new heart replacing the heart of stone and he puts his Spirit within us, thus we partake of His divine nature. Truly God desired not a sacrifice nor an offering but a body prepared to do his will. And that is what Jesus came to do, thus he was perfected, he accomplished the end goal, he finished what God had prepared for him and he became for us the source of eternal salvation.
For the Law did not perfect (teleioō), yea, an introduction of a better hope through whom we draw near to God.*
This introduction of a better hope was a superinduction, a further introduction, an addition. Paul writes the new is a dispensation of grace, though sin abounded under the Law grace super abounded. The Mosaic Law did not perfect nor does living to the letter of the law, to elemental principles of do not taste, touch, handle, or forms of self-basement of the flesh, these have no value in overcoming the desires of the flesh. But there is value in the service of grace as it wards off these attempts to perfect ourselves. Christ has already accomplished such a task we need not, but we see as Christ was perfected we too his children are being perfected.
This illustration to the extent of the present time that according to gifts and sacrifices offered can not give power perfecting the worshiper as far as his consciousness is concerned.*
There is much in this verse. As God in Christ desired a body prepared, his workmanship perfected for his use, not desiring a sacrifice and offering so today it is well pleasing to God when we become like the Son presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, unto perfection. This is why it is our reasonable service because we become like Christ being perfected.* Change begins with being a new creation then transformation renews the mind so the child can accept and do his will. This transforming is by God's power through His word and such is sanctification in truth. He did the will of the Father a body prepared making known the name and words of the Father.*
For their sake I consecrate myself so that they also exist consecrated in truth. Not only for these interceding but for those who will believe in me through their words, that they may exist one... so that world may know that you sent me.*
How was Jesus perfected? and why would he need to consecrate himself? He was God but also a man, and as a man needed to redeem man thus "perfected he became for all those who listen to him the source of eternal salvation."*
Jesus perfected himself in truth, such insight John gives us in his prayer. We also see the means of how perfection is accomplished in us, in truth. Since Jesus exists truth we then know perfection is in his words, it is abiding in Him, the Vine, which is also being one in fellowship. If we have life in his words we have fellowship with the Son and the Father and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Our reasonable service is as Jesus, his consecration, and as with Jesus it is also true with us the perfection is not in service, sacrificing, and giving offering. God desires a body prepared for his use, a vessel prepared beforehand. We see his grace is sufficient for this purpose when it is God's power perfecting us.
For since the Law had a shadow of things of good to come, not the actual form of these realities, no power ever perfecting (teleioō) the one drawing near, the same sacrifices these offered continuously year after year.*
Serving, sacrifice and offerings these do not perfect us. The Mosaic Law with its fear of punishment did not perfect men either, if it had along with the sacrifice of animals forgiving sin then Jesus would have no need to come. But the Old was a foreshadow of things to come. In the Old their was a veiled glory but in the face of Christ the glory of God shines like a Light unto the whole world. In the Old we see the proverb "the beginning of wisdom, the fear of God and the knowledge of the Holy One understanding."* In the new we read, "But you exist of Him in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and these; righteousness and sanctification and redemption."*
To the ones called, "Christ is the power and the wisdom of God."* "Your faith doesn't exist in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."* The Old was a shadow of good to come, this cam in Christ, "the wisdom of God, the one hidden in mystery and that God had predestined before the ages for our glory.* Surely the proverb is still true in that in the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Paul prays "that the God of our Lord, the Father of glory, gives you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing him."* The beginning of understanding and wisdom is believing in Jesus thus as John writes what is important is that we believe and that we love one another. Wisdom and understanding is knowing the words of Jesus are eternal Life and that we have come to know and believe that He is the Holy One of God. So we establish that it is not in following commandments nor in fear but it is in love we are being perfected.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision strengthens anyone but faith energized through love.*
Paul also writes "neither circumcision nor uncircumcision you will be anything, but a new creation."* Paul uses the term circumcision here referring to those "of the circumcision party" in the Church who wanted to go back to the old covenant. Paul writes if they do they sever themselves from Christ and fall from grace.* Oh they would cry that grace is being used as a license to sin but they lack understanding in the scriptures and truly it is those who despise grace who go back to the Law who are in danger, they sever themselves from Christ and trample on the very covenant in which his death and blood established.*
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision nothing to be, but keeping the commands of God.*
Today, some claim keeping the commandments, the Mosaic Law, living to the letter of the law, handwritings in ordinances, principles of do not touch, taste, and handle... these things perfect men. Jesus nailed these to the cross as they were adverse to us, they did not perfect us. The Law with its fear of punishment, ordinances and temple duties of sacrifices, offerings, and serving did not perfect man. We see this in the writings of Paul so why does he now, say keeping the commands of God now counts for something? Of course let us look at the Greek words, how important is the translation of these words. And remember, he writes before what counts is being a new creation and faith energized in love that counts and strengthens. Also Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith Paul writes. Looking at this word for command it has the root "téle" thus it is related to the the idea of perfection, the end goal being accomplished in Christ. The diea being of perfection. So what counts is keeping the words of Christ, which increases faith, as in his words, the truth we are being perfected, in love.
... that you approve the will of God, that good, acceptable, and perfect (teleios)*
Truly, if we are in Christ you are of truth, so you do not need to conform to elemental principles in handwriting to be perfected. You need to be perfected in His power, being transformed to have the mind of Christ, a renewed mind. It is an amazing concept, a renewed mind is an approved mind, not approved by men but by God, to accept his will which is perfect. Perfection is to accept what is perfect, God's will. And like that of Christ such a mind will do the will of God, whereas the carnal mind can't follow the commands of God nor can discern God's Spirit from that of the world. John does gives his children a way to test the spirits, if they confess Jesus and love the brethren, they are born of God. We are warned of many false prophets, these would claim to be in the name of Jesus but truly they will not follow the commands of Jesus, especially the new commandment John writes of, the one to love their brother. They will enslave God's children in serving and sacrificing for their own personal gain. We can test the spirit of anti-Christ in knowing that the children of God exist as He exists, of love, and that they follow the command of Jesus to love one another.
Yea, above all these, the agape love, which exists the bond of perfection leading to perfection.*
We needed to establish a few things before we got to this point. Perfection is in love, the bond of love leads to perfection. The question became what perfects us? not fear nor following rules and regulations nor commandments, no, these do not. What perfects is being a new creation, faith that is energized in love, and keeping the words of Jesus. To keep the words of Jesus we must increase in faith thus we must abide in his words which is abiding in truth. If we abide in truth we abide in love. So we see the idea of perfection in love, which is also truth in love, which is also faith energized in love, which is also related to the concept of his grace being sufficient as his power is being perfected in our weakness. Agape love exists the bond of perfection, or in other words it is the glue, holds together the Church as it is being perfected, building itself up in love.
From the whole body joined and brought together through all supporting ligaments, according to the energy of each individual part, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.*
Do you see this truth? love is the glue, the bond of love is causing the body to grow, the energy of each individual part is that of agape love and in whole it builds up the Church. This truth is so important. Jesus gave the new commandment for this purpose as it is the bond of love that leads to perfection. And Jesus said the world should know us by how we love one another. This is because love is a sign we love Him and follow his commands, the very one that causes the body to grow. This love the anti-Christ is so against. This is why Paul writes above all these, the gifts, is agape love as it is the bond of perfection.*
Elsewhere he writes of such, we are to desire the gifts, having strong affection for these are given to build up the body, but the most the excellent way, that builds up the body, a way beyond comparison, is love.* If we have all these others gifts but lack love we are nothing.*
we do speak wisdom among those perfected.*
Perfection is accomplished in love, now, lets look at what perfection looks like. To be perfect I would have to be perfect like God.* So it is not that we have obtained perfection, but we press on to lay hold of that which Christ has laid hold of us.* Christ was perfected, it is finished, he has claimed me as his own, laid hold of me.* And we have such hope in Him, one day we will be perfect, "yea, when the perfect comes the partial will be set aside."* Until then do not be children in thinking, but in evil be infants and in thinking perfect.* So what does perfection look like? a Christian, to be like Christ. This is what we strive for, "until we attain unity of faith and knowledge of the Son, to perfected adulthood, to the measure of the full stature of Christ."* Perfection requires endurance, so we are to have this mindset of pressing on toward this goal in Christ.* Perfection is the end goal of our reasonable service and thus the goal of the Church, in wisdom to teach so all are presented perfect in Christ.* Such perfection will create obedience, acceptance of His perfect will and those who love and follow the commands of Jesus.* The perfected are his workmanship, created beforehand, they will bear the fruit of their nature, good works, of truth and love. So let us look intently into the law that does perfect, being an active doer, following the words of Jesus, especially loving our brothers. For what is faith without such works of agape love, it is faith that is dead or false. So let us love and strive to be perfected in Christ.
And for this reason make all effort to add to you faith... godliness and to godliness brother love, and to brotherly love agape love. For if you possess these and increase in measure, you will be effective in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.*
Being effective in Christ is loving. Paul write even though we might know all mysteries and all knowledge without love we are nothing. If God exists love and the bond of love leads to perfection then loving one another is truly a sign we know him and are being perfected or matured in his strength. We add to our faith other qualities but the last qualities exist of brotherly and agape love. Some would say they do not have to love to evangelize, that the words of Jesus are more powerful but we see without love it is nothing. Love is the bond that leads to perfection, even for those who do not believe. I believe the gospel is good news brought forth in agape love. Jesus came in fullness of the Father, of grace and truth, and those who know him know of such great love he has for us. Agape love is a sign of perfection or maturity in Christ. In the fullness of maturity we see the bond of brotherly and agape love. Or we see walking in truth perfected in the bond of love or we see faith energized by love. The true nature of those born of God is "truth in love," not in words only but in action and deeds. If we have reached perfection, surely, we will know that such perfection was accomplished, reached its end goal, in the bond of love and that we are perfected in love.
Who You Say I Am
Our topic is perfection in love so to understand what it means to be perfected in love let us look at the word perfected (teleioō) to perfect, complete, finish, accomplish. It is derived from the root word "tele" which we use today in words like telescope, telephone, telecommunication, and television which speaks of distant : at a distance : over a distance.* The end goal of perfection is that we become like Christ and if we truly are in Christ such is our true nature. Jesus suffered and was perfected in truth and so are we. Also we see the love of the Father was the bond that led Jesus into perfection. And so it is with us, we are perfected in truth and the bond of love is the glue that keeps us looking intently into truth, leading to perfection. In Christ we are being perfected in agape love.
What manner of love is this? From scriptures we know that redemption required a kinsman, so the Word of God became a man. Paul writes this New covenant or will or testament required a death, thus because one had to die to establish a will he came to die. It is a new covenant in his blood. The forgiveness of sin required a spotless lamb so Paul writes, therefore he came into the world saying "sacrifice and offering you did not desire but a body you prepared for me."* He came to do the will of God.* Paul writes he was tempted as we but without sin, he had to live a perfect life to be a spotless lamb. On the cross Jesus said it is finished, teleo, and before he said "I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and the third day perfected."* We know the third day he rose again.
I glorified you on earth, perfecting (teleioō) the work you gave me to do.*
Surely a body was prepared for the purpose of doing God's will, in his birth, life, death, and resurrection he accomplished the end goal of God's will. To make his name known and to give the words of the Father to man. The center piece of such words was God so loved the world... There was a grand purpose and it was of love, in that the Law had judged and condemned man, saying there is none, not one that exists righteous. In love God's mercy triumphed his judgment. The character of his love was displayed in that he sent his only Son who came not to condemn the world but to save it.* It is why the new covenant is in his blood, a and dispensation of grace. Oh, what love that we are called children of God. And such we exist because Jesus came to give us the power to become children. What manner of love is this? it is agape love, godly love, yes, because he exists love. Instead of judgment and condemnation he sent his Son.
As many did accept him he gave the power to become children of God, those believing in his name.*
And more, it was Jesus who created all things that exist, thus it would be him to establish the means of us to become a new creation, he being the first fruit of such. It is an amazing thing what he accomplished, finished. This power is given to those who believe in His name, thus as John writes, what else matters, but to believe in Him and to love one another. If God exists love which manner was displayed in that he would choose to love, to send his Son, to show mercy over judgment. And if God loves so and we exist born of God, then we should love each other as God loves. The world doesn't love nor does the world know truth, thus they do not need to conform to truth, but they need to believe. In which I believe the greatest evangelistic tool the Church has is to love one another. This love Jesus said the world should know us by. In context John writes test the spirits to see if they believe in Jesus but also do they love as he loves. If they are of the world they will speak like the world, love the things of the world, and will not love their brother like Jesus does.
And perfected he became for all those who listen to him the source of eternal salvation.*
Salvation is eternal. God does not adopt you, make you his own child then kick you out of the family because you do not perform up to his standards, no. this is earthly understanding. He chooses by grace and perfects in love. Truth here is implied that you are in Christ, born of God, if so you exist truth as Christ is in you who is truth. Thus it is truth in love. God judges the heart and it is with the heart man believes, and so he gives us a new heart replacing the heart of stone and he puts his Spirit within us, thus we partake of His divine nature. Truly God desired not a sacrifice nor an offering but a body prepared to do his will. And that is what Jesus came to do, thus he was perfected, he accomplished the end goal, he finished what God had prepared for him and he became for us the source of eternal salvation.
For the Law did not perfect (teleioō), yea, an introduction of a better hope through whom we draw near to God.*
This introduction of a better hope was a superinduction, a further introduction, an addition. Paul writes the new is a dispensation of grace, though sin abounded under the Law grace super abounded. The Mosaic Law did not perfect nor does living to the letter of the law, to elemental principles of do not taste, touch, handle, or forms of self-basement of the flesh, these have no value in overcoming the desires of the flesh. But there is value in the service of grace as it wards off these attempts to perfect ourselves. Christ has already accomplished such a task we need not, but we see as Christ was perfected we too his children are being perfected.
This illustration to the extent of the present time that according to gifts and sacrifices offered can not give power perfecting the worshiper as far as his consciousness is concerned.*
There is much in this verse. As God in Christ desired a body prepared, his workmanship perfected for his use, not desiring a sacrifice and offering so today it is well pleasing to God when we become like the Son presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, unto perfection. This is why it is our reasonable service because we become like Christ being perfected.* Change begins with being a new creation then transformation renews the mind so the child can accept and do his will. This transforming is by God's power through His word and such is sanctification in truth. He did the will of the Father a body prepared making known the name and words of the Father.*
For their sake I consecrate myself so that they also exist consecrated in truth. Not only for these interceding but for those who will believe in me through their words, that they may exist one... so that world may know that you sent me.*
How was Jesus perfected? and why would he need to consecrate himself? He was God but also a man, and as a man needed to redeem man thus "perfected he became for all those who listen to him the source of eternal salvation."*
Jesus perfected himself in truth, such insight John gives us in his prayer. We also see the means of how perfection is accomplished in us, in truth. Since Jesus exists truth we then know perfection is in his words, it is abiding in Him, the Vine, which is also being one in fellowship. If we have life in his words we have fellowship with the Son and the Father and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Our reasonable service is as Jesus, his consecration, and as with Jesus it is also true with us the perfection is not in service, sacrificing, and giving offering. God desires a body prepared for his use, a vessel prepared beforehand. We see his grace is sufficient for this purpose when it is God's power perfecting us.
For since the Law had a shadow of things of good to come, not the actual form of these realities, no power ever perfecting (teleioō) the one drawing near, the same sacrifices these offered continuously year after year.*
Serving, sacrifice and offerings these do not perfect us. The Mosaic Law with its fear of punishment did not perfect men either, if it had along with the sacrifice of animals forgiving sin then Jesus would have no need to come. But the Old was a foreshadow of things to come. In the Old their was a veiled glory but in the face of Christ the glory of God shines like a Light unto the whole world. In the Old we see the proverb "the beginning of wisdom, the fear of God and the knowledge of the Holy One understanding."* In the new we read, "But you exist of Him in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and these; righteousness and sanctification and redemption."*
To the ones called, "Christ is the power and the wisdom of God."* "Your faith doesn't exist in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."* The Old was a shadow of good to come, this cam in Christ, "the wisdom of God, the one hidden in mystery and that God had predestined before the ages for our glory.* Surely the proverb is still true in that in the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Paul prays "that the God of our Lord, the Father of glory, gives you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing him."* The beginning of understanding and wisdom is believing in Jesus thus as John writes what is important is that we believe and that we love one another. Wisdom and understanding is knowing the words of Jesus are eternal Life and that we have come to know and believe that He is the Holy One of God. So we establish that it is not in following commandments nor in fear but it is in love we are being perfected.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision strengthens anyone but faith energized through love.*
Paul also writes "neither circumcision nor uncircumcision you will be anything, but a new creation."* Paul uses the term circumcision here referring to those "of the circumcision party" in the Church who wanted to go back to the old covenant. Paul writes if they do they sever themselves from Christ and fall from grace.* Oh they would cry that grace is being used as a license to sin but they lack understanding in the scriptures and truly it is those who despise grace who go back to the Law who are in danger, they sever themselves from Christ and trample on the very covenant in which his death and blood established.*
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision nothing to be, but keeping the commands of God.*
Today, some claim keeping the commandments, the Mosaic Law, living to the letter of the law, handwritings in ordinances, principles of do not touch, taste, and handle... these things perfect men. Jesus nailed these to the cross as they were adverse to us, they did not perfect us. The Law with its fear of punishment, ordinances and temple duties of sacrifices, offerings, and serving did not perfect man. We see this in the writings of Paul so why does he now, say keeping the commands of God now counts for something? Of course let us look at the Greek words, how important is the translation of these words. And remember, he writes before what counts is being a new creation and faith energized in love that counts and strengthens. Also Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith Paul writes. Looking at this word for command it has the root "téle" thus it is related to the the idea of perfection, the end goal being accomplished in Christ. The diea being of perfection. So what counts is keeping the words of Christ, which increases faith, as in his words, the truth we are being perfected, in love.
... that you approve the will of God, that good, acceptable, and perfect (teleios)*
Truly, if we are in Christ you are of truth, so you do not need to conform to elemental principles in handwriting to be perfected. You need to be perfected in His power, being transformed to have the mind of Christ, a renewed mind. It is an amazing concept, a renewed mind is an approved mind, not approved by men but by God, to accept his will which is perfect. Perfection is to accept what is perfect, God's will. And like that of Christ such a mind will do the will of God, whereas the carnal mind can't follow the commands of God nor can discern God's Spirit from that of the world. John does gives his children a way to test the spirits, if they confess Jesus and love the brethren, they are born of God. We are warned of many false prophets, these would claim to be in the name of Jesus but truly they will not follow the commands of Jesus, especially the new commandment John writes of, the one to love their brother. They will enslave God's children in serving and sacrificing for their own personal gain. We can test the spirit of anti-Christ in knowing that the children of God exist as He exists, of love, and that they follow the command of Jesus to love one another.
Yea, above all these, the agape love, which exists the bond of perfection leading to perfection.*
We needed to establish a few things before we got to this point. Perfection is in love, the bond of love leads to perfection. The question became what perfects us? not fear nor following rules and regulations nor commandments, no, these do not. What perfects is being a new creation, faith that is energized in love, and keeping the words of Jesus. To keep the words of Jesus we must increase in faith thus we must abide in his words which is abiding in truth. If we abide in truth we abide in love. So we see the idea of perfection in love, which is also truth in love, which is also faith energized in love, which is also related to the concept of his grace being sufficient as his power is being perfected in our weakness. Agape love exists the bond of perfection, or in other words it is the glue, holds together the Church as it is being perfected, building itself up in love.
From the whole body joined and brought together through all supporting ligaments, according to the energy of each individual part, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.*
Do you see this truth? love is the glue, the bond of love is causing the body to grow, the energy of each individual part is that of agape love and in whole it builds up the Church. This truth is so important. Jesus gave the new commandment for this purpose as it is the bond of love that leads to perfection. And Jesus said the world should know us by how we love one another. This is because love is a sign we love Him and follow his commands, the very one that causes the body to grow. This love the anti-Christ is so against. This is why Paul writes above all these, the gifts, is agape love as it is the bond of perfection.*
Elsewhere he writes of such, we are to desire the gifts, having strong affection for these are given to build up the body, but the most the excellent way, that builds up the body, a way beyond comparison, is love.* If we have all these others gifts but lack love we are nothing.*
we do speak wisdom among those perfected.*
Perfection is accomplished in love, now, lets look at what perfection looks like. To be perfect I would have to be perfect like God.* So it is not that we have obtained perfection, but we press on to lay hold of that which Christ has laid hold of us.* Christ was perfected, it is finished, he has claimed me as his own, laid hold of me.* And we have such hope in Him, one day we will be perfect, "yea, when the perfect comes the partial will be set aside."* Until then do not be children in thinking, but in evil be infants and in thinking perfect.* So what does perfection look like? a Christian, to be like Christ. This is what we strive for, "until we attain unity of faith and knowledge of the Son, to perfected adulthood, to the measure of the full stature of Christ."* Perfection requires endurance, so we are to have this mindset of pressing on toward this goal in Christ.* Perfection is the end goal of our reasonable service and thus the goal of the Church, in wisdom to teach so all are presented perfect in Christ.* Such perfection will create obedience, acceptance of His perfect will and those who love and follow the commands of Jesus.* The perfected are his workmanship, created beforehand, they will bear the fruit of their nature, good works, of truth and love. So let us look intently into the law that does perfect, being an active doer, following the words of Jesus, especially loving our brothers. For what is faith without such works of agape love, it is faith that is dead or false. So let us love and strive to be perfected in Christ.
And for this reason make all effort to add to you faith... godliness and to godliness brother love, and to brotherly love agape love. For if you possess these and increase in measure, you will be effective in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.*
Being effective in Christ is loving. Paul write even though we might know all mysteries and all knowledge without love we are nothing. If God exists love and the bond of love leads to perfection then loving one another is truly a sign we know him and are being perfected or matured in his strength. We add to our faith other qualities but the last qualities exist of brotherly and agape love. Some would say they do not have to love to evangelize, that the words of Jesus are more powerful but we see without love it is nothing. Love is the bond that leads to perfection, even for those who do not believe. I believe the gospel is good news brought forth in agape love. Jesus came in fullness of the Father, of grace and truth, and those who know him know of such great love he has for us. Agape love is a sign of perfection or maturity in Christ. In the fullness of maturity we see the bond of brotherly and agape love. Or we see walking in truth perfected in the bond of love or we see faith energized by love. The true nature of those born of God is "truth in love," not in words only but in action and deeds. If we have reached perfection, surely, we will know that such perfection was accomplished, reached its end goal, in the bond of love and that we are perfected in love.
Who You Say I Am