Be Ye Therefore Perfect

        Perfection in Christ is not about strick adherence to rigid law, it is about God's righteousness living in you.

Under the umbrella of grace, by which comes the new heart through the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, the concept of walking in perfection is very different from the impossible notions of perfection that have arisen from minds under the bondage of the law, which say that perfection is not attainable in this life and there is only one who was perfect, and that was Christ, whose mission required it.

If the perfection admonished in the scriptures for attainment by the saints was not possible to achieve in this life, why, then, did Paul say, "Brethren, I beseech you to be perfect as I am perfect"? (JST-Gal 4:12.) In fact, his apostolic objective in preaching was "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Col. 1:28.)

Through the school of personal tribulation, he had learned well the irony that perfection in Christ is brought about precisely because of our weakness, not the other way around, "For," said he, "when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Cor. 12:10.)

Recall the time when he prayed thrice that his "thorn in the flesh," might depart from him, and the Lord replied to him: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:7-9a.) Paul then enthusiastically added, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Cor. 12:9b.)

Even in speaking "wisdom among them that are perfect," Paul acknowledged:

"I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Cor. 2:6,3-5.)

In his closing words, Moroni also declared that it is "by the grace of God" that "ye are perfect in Christ." (Moro. 10:32,33.)

"And thus Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord; for Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generation; and he walked with God, and also his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japeth." (Mos. 8:27.)

On the day that he was delivered from his enemies, David likewise acknowledged, "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." (Ps. 18:32 = 2 Samuel 22:33.) Several scriptural references refer to the "perfect heart" of David the king (1 Kings 11:4; 15:3; 1 Sam. 13:14; Ps. 101:2; Acts 13:22) and even of those associated with him (1 Chron. 12:38; 1 Chron. 29:9). In fact, that description is reserved in connection with him alone, with the two exceptions of kings Asa and Hezekiah. (1 Kings 15:14 = 2 Chron. 15:17; 2 Kings 20:3 = Isa. 38:3.)

Perhaps herein is a type inasmuch as it will be the latter-day David (Jer. 30:9; Ezek. 34:23,24; 37:24,25; Hos. 3:5) who will "turn away ungodliness from Jacob" when "the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;" "and so all Israel shall be saved:" for "it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer;" "For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Rom. 11:25,26).

It was David who "describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputheth righteousness without the law of works, saying, Blessed are they through faith whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (JST-Rom. 4:6-8; ref. Ps. 32:1,2.)

This "taking away of sins" is that prophesied also by Jeremiah when the Lord "will make a new covenant with the house of [Jacob]" and "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts;" and "they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jer. 31:31,33,34.)

This "turning away ungodliness from Jacob" (Rom. 11:25) is particularly significant considering Moroni's closing words in the Book of Mormon in which he speaks of that perfection which comes through grace:

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ." (Moro. 10:32.)

And this, "that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled" (Moro. 10:31); that it may be said, "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." (Psalms 50:2).

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall life; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." (Isa. 55:2,3.)

The very covenant itself, around which this whole discussion of the doctrine of Christ is centered, was inaugurated with the Lord commanding Abraham: "Walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee." (Gen. 17:1,2.)

Under the law perfection is impossible, and that is precisely why no one can be exalted who remains under the law.

"For the law was administered without an oath and made nothing perfect, but was only the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." (Heb. 7:19; also Heb. 10:1.)

It is therefore significant that in conjunction with Christ's announcement to the Nephites that "those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled," that he would then reiterate this covenental commandment, saying, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." (3 Ne. 12:46,48.)

He offered the same invitation to his disciples in the old world, saying, "Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect, even as you Father who is in heaven is perfect." (JST-Matt. 5:50.) How appropriate that in this context of speaking of perfection, which is only possible through the gift of grace by which comes the new heart, that Christ would say, "Old things are done away, and all things have become new." (3 Ne. 12:47.)

"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" (Heb. 7:11.)

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Heb. 10:14-18; ref. Jer. 31:33,34.)

For "behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord." (Jer. 31:31,34.)

We have an Intercessor whose prayer for us to the Father was: "That they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one." (John 17:22,23.) Therefore, "whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever continueth in sin hath not seen him, neither known him." (JST-1 John 3:6.) For "whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4.) However, "whosoever is born of God doth not continue in sin; for the Spirit of God remaineth in him; and he cannot continue in sin, because he is born of God, having received that holy Spirit of promise⁽⁷⁾." (JST-1 John 3:9.)

"And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am--not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God. Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind. Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now; neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected." (D&C 67:10-13.)

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 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. 6:17,18; 7:1; with ref. to Isa. 52:11; Jer. 31:33.)

"And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." (Moroni 10:30.)

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17; also Isa. 55:1-3.)

Saved By Grace Notwithstanding All We Can Do

Grace for Grace

We have shown repeatedly from the scriptures that being baptized of the Spirit is an event, just as real and complete as the physical immersion in water.  However, becoming perfected in Christ is a process, made possible through the grace of God.   Learning to walk the walk and talk the talk of a disciple is indeed a disciplined one -- changed heart and all.  One's heart may be transformed through grace, but bringing the daily walk and talk into conformity with that heart is a process.   Maintaining the indwelt status on a daily basis is no automatic thing.  We must endure to the end.  This is where becoming as a little child remains the operative prerequisite to remaining fastened to the rock of Christ.

Having embarked on the path through the baptism of water and of the Spirit, we then must hold faithful to that path.

"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."   (II Nephi 31:19,20.)

Again, this does not happen in a moment, but is a process.  "Grace for grace," is how we grow, even as Jesus, our exemplar.

"And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at first, but received grace for grace. And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness."  (D&C 93:12,13; see also John 1:16.)

Likewise,

"I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace."  (D&C 93:19,20.)

Paul similarly explained:

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18.)

It is when we thus prove ourselves faithful to our baptismal commitment that our calling and election is made sure.

"Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." (Mosiah 5:15.)

And the Greatest of These is Charity

In the process of becoming perfect in Christ, there is one attribute more than any other which we should seek and which demarkates one who has been transformed by Christ.   Charity.  The pure love of Christ.

Moroni admonished,

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." (Moroni 7:48.)

Paul spoke similarly, linking charity to perfection.  "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." (Colossians 3:14.) John also linked perfection to love:  "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." (1 John 2:5) In another place he said, "If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4:12.)

Endnote

7. The JST usage of "holy Spirit of promise" in this context may seem puzzling considering the usage of this phrase elsewhere (D&C 76:53; 88:3; 124:124; 132:7,18,19,26). Perhaps the key is the word, "that," specifying the role of the baptism of fire in relation to the baptism of water, having an eternal ratifying power of that temporal ordinance.

"Would God that ALL the Lord's People Were PROPHETS"

Free Energy News • Patriot Saints • Inter-Continental Congress