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Conference yukon::christian_v7

Title:The CHRISTIAN Notesfile
Notice:Jesus reigns! - Intros: note 4; Praise: note 165
Moderator:ICTHUS::YUILLEON
Created:Tue Feb 16 1993
Last Modified:Fri May 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:962
Total number of notes:42902

467.0. "Perfect" by TOKNOW::METCALFE (Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers) Thu May 05 1994 17:01

In western thought, perfect means seomthing that has not flaws whatsoever.
It is no wonder we have a problem with the Scripture that calls us to be 
perfect.  In Jewish though, however, perfect has a different connotation,
that being "fit for the purpose for which it was intended."

For example, I can have a hammer with scrtaches and worn handle grip, but
if it drives a nail into the wood the way it should, the hammer is perfect.
Now, it is not new and without blemish, but it is "fit for the purpose for
which it was intended."

When you say to yourself, and to others that "nobody is perfect" I think 
I understand what you mean to say, but this definition cannot be applied
to the meaning of Scripture, because there are people who are fit for the
purpose for which they are intended."  (Ever stop to think what the 
perfect body will be like in heaven?  Will we all have the exact same
perfect body?  Or will there be variety - yet still perfected (incorruptible,
and immortal) bodies?)

You can be perfect, just as the Scriptures says.

Mark
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467.1which raises a questionLEDS::FIESTERThu May 05 1994 21:2112
    Interesting topic, Mark.
    
    I've often struggled with the verse that exhorts us to "be perfect,
    even as your Father in Heaven is perfect."
    
    Anyone care to comment on that, in light of the definition "fit for the
    purpose for which it was intended."
    
    
    Wondering,
    
    -greta
467.2NACAD::MORANOThu May 05 1994 21:439
    
    !                   <<< Note 467.1 by LEDS::FIESTER >>>
    !                      -< which raises a question >-

    !I've often struggled with the verse that exhorts us to "be perfect,
    !even as your Father in Heaven is perfect."
    
    	I think you said it perfectly Greta! ;^) (Sorry couldn't resist.)
    PDM_in_one_of_those_rare_moods ;^)
467.3GIDDAY::BURTScythe my dandelions down, sportThu May 05 1994 23:007
and let us not forget the ****Perfect word processing & office system.

(much as I'd sometimes like to)



Chele
467.4more than one word?DNEAST::DALELIO_HENRFri May 06 1994 15:4813

 Hi Mark,

 If I remember correctly there is more than one koine word that is translated
 "perfect". 

 It would probably be a fruitful word study.

 One of them is (I think) : teleos - or something like that and means
 complete or finished. 

  Hank
467.6What I Thought...But Maybe 'Perfect' Not Correct Word?YIELD::BARBIERIFri May 06 1994 19:329
      Hi,
    
        Maybe perfect is the wrong word to use for something I believe
        God will produce in the last generation before He comes, but I
        do believe that God will perfectly reproduce His character in
        His church before He returns; that is though they can choose to
        sin, they won't.
    
                                                     Tony
467.7TOKNOW::METCALFEEschew Obfuscatory MonikersFri May 06 1994 20:2333
Word study:

Strongs lists the following numbers for the word "Perfect"

Hebrew 8549
       8003
       4357
       1585
       8535
       8552
       8537
       1584
       8503
       3559
       8552
   and there is more which I'll try to get to when I have the chance.

Matthew 5:48  which Greta brought up is Greek 5046:
   
Matthew 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect.

From 5056; *complete* (in various applications of labor, growth, mental
and moral character, etc.); neut. (as noun, with 3588) completeness: 
- of full age, man, perfect

It will make an interesting study.  Even in English we have lots of different
meaning for Per'fect and per-fect'.  Any of you with online Strong's concordance
can help by pulling these out for examination.

Re: .6  (Tony) Your view does not contradict this idea of "perfect" (i.e. being
completed).  I'm not certain the view of the "last generation" is correct,
but never found it to be a particularly bothersome view.
467.8TOKNOW::METCALFEEschew Obfuscatory MonikersFri May 06 1994 20:2813
Matthew 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect.


Be ye therefore "fit for the purpose for which you were intended," even
as your Father in heaven is "fit for the purpose for which He is intended."

This is an understandment of God (almost) for he actually is the definition
of His own intent (Love).  "I am that I am" declares His uniqueness.  But
He certainly is fit for any purpose whatsoever as He intends.  But this phrase 
means that God is COMPLETE and we are to be COMPLETE as God is COMPLETE.

Point to Ponder.
467.9okLEDS::FIESTERFri May 06 1994 21:285
    .2 PDM -- wise guy *&^P
    
    .8 thanks, Mark!
    
    -g
467.10TOKNOW::METCALFEEschew Obfuscatory MonikersMon May 09 1994 14:2926
>But this phrase means that God is COMPLETE and we are to be COMPLETE as 
>God is COMPLETE.

This thought just came to me, because I'm celebrating my 15th wedding 
Anniversary on Thursday (May 12).  What does it mean to be complete?
How is it that I am incomplete?

Before I was married, I felt complete enough, but after I was married 
I understood that I could no longer be complete without my wife!  Well,
in addition to this, our marriage could not be complete without being
founded on God and in God.... now, we have a complete marriage because
all the pieces are there.

Being fit for the purpose for which you are intended also has varying
levels of function.  For example, my marriage completion does not mean
that some who are called to be single can never be complete; in fact,
they can be completed without a mate (especially if they are called to
it).  I can be complete in my function as street sweeper, as well as 
be complete as a father - unrelated functions.  So what does God mean
when He wants us to be complete?  For what purpose did God intend us?
Is there a specific function about which this verses is intended?

Be perfect (complete) as God is perfect (complete).
Unity of will, unity of purpose, unity of spirit.

Mark
467.11KAHALA::JOHNSON_LLeslie Ann JohnsonThu May 12 1994 18:231
Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary !!!!  --Leslie
467.12TOKNOW::METCALFEEschew Obfuscatory MonikersThu May 12 1994 18:343
What a nice topic to put your wishes in, Leslie.  Thank you.

And may God comfort you at this time of loss of your grandmother.