343. Perfected Forever
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
Jesus Christ, by His one sacrifice for sin has perfected forever those who are sanctified. This promise is stark and bold because it is in the past tense. This has already happened; it is finished. We can understand this promise if it were future tense: we will be perfected some day and the process of sanctification will be completed upon our own death and resurrection. But for the present we know the truth by which everyone excuses himself or herself: “Nobody’s perfect.”
So how can this be construed as a past event concluded in the past and the effects continue into the future, into our own day? By faith, we believe the promise as true in the present: “He has perfected believers, and these are already sanctified. By the Word of God we boldly contradict the common saying by confessing: “I am perfect forever.” I know this is true and real contrary to all appearances. Experience says, “Nobody’s perfect.” But the Word of Truth says, “I am perfect forever.” Jesus is sanctification and righteousness. In God’s eyes that work is complete, finished forever. It takes a long life and death and resurrection of the body to complete the process and make it real in experience. But that won’t happen until after the resurrection.
However, the future truth is a present hope. Faith makes it substance. By faith, before I die, I am perfect and sanctified, completely righteous. That is what God sees; that is what faith sees. The future invades the present and faith makes it substance. We need this promise because by sight we know it is not true, but by faith we believe it is true. Blessed are those who do not see their perfection but believe it, as God promises. You believe in Jesus; you are sanctified; you are perfected. Your perfection is in Christ: He has earned for you the righteousness of God.