PERFECTION IN CHRIST The ignorance of God is the contemptible well from which distorted doctrines flow. A lack of acquaintance with the Lord thrusts one into the cauldron of spiritual confusion. The Spirit witnesses that this condition alienates one from the life of God. "This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart" (Eph 4:17-18, NASB). The seriousness of not knowing God is accentuated by this declaration. Exclusion from the life of God equals death in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1-2). It constitutes a hopeless state from which only unity with Jesus can deliver. God cannot tolerate sin in any form. He has confirmed this throughout human history. The expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden, the universal flood of destruction in Noah's day, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah provide ample proof of this. It is only the longsuffering of God that allows sinners to remain in the world. Even the people of God, having been reconciled to Him through Christ, are reminded they owe their lives to the longsuffering of the Lord. "The Lord is not slow about is promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9).
Devotion 2 of 15
Notice, this alienation is "because of the ignorance [of God that is in them." This circumstance was caused by hardness of heart, a condition grossly understated by contemporary religion. Someone with a hard heart is impervious to divine influence. Not only are they insensitive to the convincing power of the Holy Spirit, they are advancing in their hardness, becoming worse in their condition.
This does have relevance to our review of perfection in Christ Jesus. Once we understand the Lord Himself, the need for perfection--absolute perfection--becomes apparent to our hearts. Every individual acquainted with the Lord has a deep-seated aversion to personal imperfection, and a fervent desire for perfection. That is evidence of a new creation.
Anywhere and everywhere the subject of sin is addressed in Scripture, it is accompanied by solemn warnings and strong exhortations to repent. God is never casual about sin, never tolerant of iniquity, never indifferent about corruption. His nature simply will not allow Him to be apathetic about transgression.
Because God is holy, men are exhorted to be holy. People in both covenantal periods were admonished in this manner. "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev 19:20). "But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Pet 1:15-16). With unparalleled solemnity, the Spirit warns us, "Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Heb 12:14, RSV).
Is this merely a goal for which we are to strive? Is there anything casual or indifferent about these injunctions? Indeed not! God's nature does not allow Him to be tolerant or neutral about a less- than-perfect condition! The knowledge of this is not intended to drive men from God, but to prepare them for His remedy for their condition, "the Lamb of God!"
The Scriptures are quite clear on this matter. There is no room for misunderstanding, and certainly no provision for a refusal to acknowledge the truth. One of the most arresting depictions of this reality is found in the Lord's attitude toward the very people He chose, Israel. Even though they had been set apart to and for Himself, their addiction to sin so repulsed Him that He turned from them. "For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this, He was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel. So that He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which He placed among men" (Psa 78:58-60). "Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance" (Psa 106:40).
This was not merely an angry reaction to something illegal or immoral. It was an expression of the Divine nature, which cannot abide sin in any form! God's nature demands perfection, and is never represented as content with anything less than that! It is ever true, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He" (Deut 32:4). When Jesus said, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:48), He was not making a mere suggestion!
It is to be understand this perfection cannot be attained by mere human energy and discipline. That circumstance, however, does not mean we are to imagine perfection cannot be had! We will find that salvation brings the means whereby the perfection God demands
can be realized.
-- Tomorrow: THE NATURE OF MAN DEMANDS PERFECTION --