Perfected Forever
The title is a terminology that is somewhat foreign to most in this modern throw-away age. When it comes to the reliability of manmade products, we live with the reality that nothing lasts forever, let alone the idea that it is perfect.
I mean, who wouldn't like the perfect car, or the perfect house, or the perfect...
When we think of something as being perfect, it is not only what we've been looking for and longing for with great desire, but it also has longevity, and in that longevity lies reliability and dependability.
The idea of perfection is that of being without mistakes. The idea of forever implies that it will last as long as necessary, or even extend beyond the required time. In other words, it will outlast the expectation it was given.
We find this way of thinking conveyed in the letter to the Hebrews, particularly in the context of the priestly ministries.
Hebrews 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.
Now we know that when all things come to an end and everything is brought to its completion by God, there will no longer be a need for a high priest, for all will be in heaven for all eternity, and there will be no sin or imperfections of the flesh. That is why the word forever used in this passage is a different Greek word than the one used in another passage speaking about being perfected forever. The Greek word used here with regard to the priesthood ministry would imply for as long as is needed—an Age. At the same time, when describing the Son's perfection in general, it means eternal. There are no flaws in the Son, and there will never be. Jesus is absolutely perfect and cannot be improved upon.
So what are we to make of the other passage I referred to?
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
This is speaking to the reach of the sacrifice Jesus made for sin. The word "forever" in this passage was a different Greek word, meaning eternally. Jesus has eternally perfected those who are being sanctified. The language here is very interesting, because on one hand we are complete and already perfected in Christ, and on the other hand we are being sanctified. In other words, we are being set apart in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions of life by God Himself. While in spirit we are perfect, in body, there are times when our representation is out of sync, as we are being trained to think and act differently as a result of becoming increasingly convinced of the truth in our minds.
Perhaps we should consider the passage's context more fully so we can better understand what is happening here.
Hebrews 10:11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Your sin and my sin, past, present, and future, have been paid for by Jesus, who is a better High Priest and Better sacrifice than anything that could be offered up here on this earth. It is why there will never be a need for another offering for sin again. Jesus did it! His work was perfect! It is why Scripture can testify to our perfection in Him. Renewing our minds to the truth of the New Covenant and all that it brings brings us in sync with the victory that is ours in Christ. Do you believe you've been perfected forever?
