Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Has "that which is perfect" Come? When the subject of miracles is approached today one of at least three viewpoints is most likely to be accepted. One view is that miracles did not, do not and will not happen – ever. A second view says miracles are happening every day if we will but look for them. A third view is that God, in the past, gave men ability to perform miracles, but no longer does so. Part of the problem in discovering the truth is defining “miracle.” For some, the birth of a baby, or a football team coming from behind to win a big game in the last seconds, is a miracle. But the Bible describes miracles as “mighty works” and “signs and wonders,” causing amazement and wonder to accompany these events because they all required God’s power for their accomplishment. Miracles Intended to be Temporary In the Bible we also see that miracles and signs were only for a relatively brief period of time, not a permanent gift for Christians. In fact, the apostle Paul wrote that their duration would be temporary (Ephesians 4:11-16), or “until” we attain to the unity of the faith. That did not take place until all “the faith” was revealed (Jude 1:3). He not only told the church at Corinth that these gifts (including a miraculous measure of knowledge, wisdom, prophecy and speaking in tongues) were not permanent, but he told them when these gifts would cease. The Holy Spirit’s words were not vague. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:8 that these spiritual gifts would “cease…vanish…be done away.” “That Which is Perfect” In verse 10 of that same chapter, Paul was inspired to write that these gifts would come to an end “when that which is perfect is come.” The setting for this is the letter written to Corinthian Christians, some of whom were fighting and squabbling among themselves over these very gifts. Some were smug because they had what they perceived as a better gift, while others were envious that their gift was considered inferior to that of others. The resulting division caused them to abandon their real purpose, that of taking the gospel to the lost and living an example worthy of a follower of Christ. Instead, they brought reproach on the body of Christ and were rebuked. They also received instruction in the proper use of the gifts while they were still in effect. What Does “perfect” Mean? What is meant by the phrase, “that which is perfect”? Some claim that Jesus is “the perfect one,” and that miracles will continue until He comes again. However, the word “perfect” does not mean sinless or flawless as we use it today. Others claim miracles will continue until all Christians are united. While unity is commanded (1:10), “that which is perfect” is not unity in itself. As we study this subject, we must remember that God intends for the Bible to be understood, Ephesians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 1:13. Yes, we must study, but we can understand – if we give proper diligence, 2 Timothy 2:15. The context of any passage is always important. The things that were to “cease”, to be “done away”, are all related to information. It is implied that this information was “in part,” or incomplete. Therefore, when it was complete, or “perfect” (to teleion), the final steps in the revealing of God’s knowledge were finished. The “perfect” had come. To the Greek world, the term for “perfect” does not carry the meaning of flawless or sinless as it may for English speakers. When a person is the subject, this word means “of full age; mature” (for examples see 1 Corinthians 14:20 and Hebrews 5:14). When an object or process is under consideration, the word means “brought to its end; lacking nothing necessary to completeness; complete” (James 1:25, Romans 12:2). We have today what first century Christians did not have – the full, complete revelation of God’s will and mind. Called the “perfect law of liberty,” James 1:25, today’s man of God is “thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The spiritual gifts were needed then, but not now. Now that we have the complete revelation of God’s Word, those spiritual gifts are not needed any more. When builders finish a concrete slab foundation they remove the forms. They are no longer needed. In like manner the “gifts” were removed when “that which is perfect” had come. They were not needed any more. Therefore, “that which is perfect” refers to the completed revelation of God’s mind and will – the Bible. The age of miracles has passed, ceased, vanished – not because God’s power has changed, but because that has always been His plan. The Bible is God’s final word for our instruction. Carl B. Garner

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17