PERFECTION
PERDITION
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OR
Added to this we must keep in mind that the goal of the race or contest is this perfecting or maturity, whether in
Hebrews or Paul's writings. `Let us go on to full growth (perfection)' Heb. 6:1. `Let us run with patience the race
that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter (teleiotes) of our faith' (Heb. 12:1,2). `Not as
though I had already attained, either were already mature (teleioo perfect): but I follow after (pursue) ... I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be mature
(leleios), be thus minded' (Phil. 3:12-15). `None of these things move me ... so that I might finish (teleiosai) my
course (race) with joy' (Acts 20:24). `I have finished (teleo) the course (race) ... henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness' (2 Tim. 4:7,8).
Pauline parallels in Hebrews.
In 1 Corinthians 8:6, we have the expression: `... One God, the Father, of (ex) Whom are all things ... and one
Lord Jesus Christ, by (dia) Whom are all things'. This is paralleled by Hebrews 2:10, `For it became Him, for (dia)
Whom are all things, and by (dia) Whom are all things', and this is found nowhere else in the New Testament.
Similarly note also Romans 11:36.
`The Living God'. In the epistles this title only occurs in Paul's writings, where it is used seven times: (Rom.
9:26; 2 Cor. 3:3; 6:16; 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:15; 4:10; 6:17). The writer of Hebrews employs it four times (3:12;
9:14; 10:31 and 12:22).
The Lord Jesus Christ, as the Image of God, is a Pauline conception (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15). It is found
elsewhere only in Hebrews 1:3, `Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express Image of His Person'.
The Ascension of Christ is vital to Paul's ministry, especially the doctrine concerning the Body of Christ, so
closely identified with the Head that it is looked upon as being seated in the heavenly places where He is now
enthroned (Eph. 1:19-23; 2:6); consequently we have the Ascension stressed first in Ephesians before the position of
the Body is dealt with. In the same way Colossians 3:1-3 emphasizes this, and urges the believer to set his mind
upon and seek those things which are above `where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God'. The doctrine of the
Ascension, likewise, is stressed in Hebrews, where it is referred to seven times: (1:3; 4:14; 6:19,20; 8:1; 10:12;
12:2). Used in this manner, it is peculiar to Paul's writings and the Hebrews epistle. Peter makes but one reference
to the Ascension, 1 Peter 3:22, and it is not essential to the theme set forth in his epistle.
Related to the Ascension is the present intercession of the Lord Jesus:
`Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand
of God, Who also maketh intercession for us' (Rom. 8:34).
The only other mention of this in the New Testament is Hebrews 7:25:
`Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to
make intercession for them'.
The destruction of Satan, death and its power by the Lord Jesus, is characteristic of Paul's ministry:
`... our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through
the Gospel' (2 Tim. 1:10).
`So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall
be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O
grave, where is thy victory?' (1 Cor. 15:54,55).
This is another peculiar link with Hebrews:
`Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;
that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil ...' (Heb. 2:14).
So also is the thought that Christ, having died once, will never die again. His one sacrifice for sin is
all-sufficient, and never to be repeated: