10-Glorification: Finalized Faultlessness

Ever think about what Heaven will be like? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! I realize that if you are in Christ and have been reading your Bible, you understand the concept. But like me, you probably have a hard time envisioning anything truly perfect. Think of it, perfect...pastor...husband...wife. Everything in our earthly experience is flawed, imperfect, and suffering from the effects of sin. And for us who love the Lord, the flaws and sins we're most acquainted with are our own! We cry out with the beloved apostle Paul, 'Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?' (Rom 7:24). That struggle and cry of the redeemed heart comes from the mature Christ, Paul himself. And we're not alone in this struggle. The whole universe suffered the effect of human sin, as 'the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now' (Rom 8:22). All we can know on earth is imperfection. So we and all creation wait for the consummation of all things, when the curse will finally be lifted and everything will be perfect; a time when pain, sorrow, and groaning of creation will finally be no more. In that great day we will be made gloriously perfect; the whole person--body and soul. Every believer will be made completely new and flawless (1 Jn 3:2). But we can not envision it now, as it "does not yet appear", but we'll finally be wholly and completely Christlike. This is the very purpose for which God chose us in eternity past (Rom 8:29). Heaven is the perfect place for people made perfect in Christ. Perfection is the goal of God's sanctifying work in us. He's not just making us better than we are. He's conforming us to the image of His Son and will finalize it, making us fit to dwell in His presence forever. Utter perfection on the new earth is the consummation of our salvation. Join us for midweek Bible study at 6:00 as we conclude our study of "The Doctrine of Salvation" with "Glorification: Finalized Faultlessness."