Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew

Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew
XXVI

Matthew 5:48; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:9-10; Philippians 3:12, 15; James 1:4; Hebrews 13:18: It is written in the verse itself in which sense we shall be perfect; namely, just as your Father in heaven. This is in harmony with what John says about walking in the light; that is to say, as He is in the light.

We find a further explanation of this perfection in an expression in Hebrews: perfect according to the conscience, i.e., perfect according to the light that each individual has. God is in the light with His entire consciousness. We can and shall also be like that. The difference between God and us is that He has all light, whereas we do not nearly have all the light. However, we are perfect as He is perfect if we live wholly according to the light we have.

This is the same as having put off all remnants of wickedness and living an overcoming life.

Being perfected is something completely different from being perfect. The word “perfect” in Philippians 3:121 should have been translated as “perfected.” As it is written now, it is self-contradictory in this chapter.

It is of the utmost importance for everyone to live perfectly according to his conscience all the time. If it is to succeed, a person has to press hard into God and devote himself to the Word, to prayer, and to the ministry with all his might! Then you have to be like Stephen in zeal and devotion. But then it will also succeed. Glory to God!