# Christian Perfection (Outline)

> Hebrews 6:1-8 — 1 Therefore leaving **the principles of the doctrine of Christ**, let us go on **unto perfection**; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 

> Matthew 5:48 — **Be ye therefore perfect**, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

> 1 Thessalonians 5:23 — And the very God of peace **sanctify you wholly**; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

## Introduction

### 1. A Deeper Vocabulary

- Do we really think we can become "perfect"? 
- What have God's preachers been getting at with such language as: "True Church" / "True Christian" / "Professing Christian" / "Carnal Christian" / "Spiritual Christian"

### 2. What are the "Principles of the Doctrine of Christ"?

## I. Christian Perfection is A Divine Command

Matthew 5:48;  Philippians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
 
## II. Christian Perfection is A Practical Development

> 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 — And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even **as unto babes** in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

## III. Christian Perfection is Biblically Defined

- Does not include: amoral "infirmities", absence of "human ignorance" or the possibility of mistakes. (etc.) a) John 9:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; b) John 16:33; Hebrews 4:15 c) Ephesians 1:4; Romans 5:2

### A. Perfect in Love 

(Matthew 5:38-48; 1 Corinthians 13)

### B. Perfect in Faith 

(Hebrews 12:2)

### C. Perfect in Character 

(Ephesians 4:11-16)