Toward Perfection

Jesus says in Revelation 3:21, “To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” If this is our goal, then there is only one thing that can lead us to where He is: we must overcome even as He overcame. Jesus does not say, “You do not have to overcome be­cause I have overcome,” but He combines the promise of glory with personal victory.

What does it mean to overcome? It means nothing less than to endure in temptation and suffer in the flesh, so that we do not sin. The lusts of the flesh need to be put to death immediately instead of giving them the least nourishment, and every thought has to be taken captive to the obedience of Christ. This is painful for the flesh, but then James’ great promise comes into effect: “Blessed is the man who endures in temptations, for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12.

If we are anxious and impatient, have a hot temper by nature, and other similar things that our fallen nature is full of, we will be continually tested in these areas. We must always have forgiveness if we always give in to these things and do not endure. We do not re­ceive the crown of life for that. God does not crown those who give in to temptation, but only those who endure.

It is always possible to have the victory by watching and praying. 2 Corinthians 2:14. God is mighty to protect us so that we do not need to stumble. Jude 24. All we need to do is endure, and God has given us the power by enlightening our mind. A victory that falls short of this does not lead to the royal throne and scepter. Revelation 2:26-27.

However, in James 3:2 we read that we all stumble in many things, even though he exhorts us to perfect works in chapter 1:4. Does he contradict himself? No, he means exactly what Paul says in Romans 7:23, “But I see another law in my members . . . bringing me into captivity.” By examining ourselves we will find that the flesh clings to our works even while we are fully surrendered to serve God and overcome all things. This is evidence that the other law in our members is at work, and it is vital that we receive light over its effects so we can put it to death by the Spirit, and live. Romans 8:13. There is no condemnation for stumbling like this, because it was not in our mind to do it. The unconscious works of my body can be put to death. This cannot be done with conscious, sinful works; they have to be confessed. 1 John 1:9.

Therefore, if we want to reach perfection, as the Scriptures exhort us to, we must endure in temptation, put to death the deeds of the body, and always present ourselves to God in Christ Jesus.