Perfect in Christ Jesus
We are perfect in Christ Jesus, and one day we will be presented faultless before the throne, holy and glorious, with every stain of sin removed.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the reality of human imperfection, acknowledging that our daily experiences reveal our flaws and shortcomings. However, he offers profound comfort in the truth that believers are 'perfect in Christ Jesus,' accepted and complete in Him despite our imperfections. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to look forward to the ultimate perfection that awaits, where all stains of sin will be removed, and believers will be presented faultless before God. He paints a vivid picture of transformation, where the flawed are made glorious through Christ, inspiring joy and admiration for this marvelous salvation. The sermon ultimately celebrates the hope and assurance found in being complete in Christ.
Text
Do you not feel in your own soul that perfection is not in you? Does not every day teach you that? Every tear which trickles from your eye, weeps "imperfection"; every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters "imperfection." You have too frequently had a view of your own heart to dream for a moment of any perfection in yourself. But amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection, here is comfort for you--you are "perfect in Christ Jesus."In God's sight, you are "complete in Him;" even now you are "accepted in the Beloved." But there is a second perfection, yet to be realized, which is sure to all the seed. Is it not delightful to look forward to the time when every stain of sin shall be removed from the believer, and he shall be presented faultless before the throne, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing? The Church of Christ then will be so pure, that not even the eye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her; so holy and so glorious, that Hart did not go beyond the truth when he said--
"With my Saviour's garments on, Holy as the Holy One."
Then shall we know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this vast but short sentence, "Complete in Christ." Not till then shall we fully comprehend the heights and depths of the salvation of Jesus. Doth not thy heart leap for joy at the thought of it? Black as thou art, thou shalt be white one day; filthy as thou art, thou shalt be clean. Oh, it is a marvellous salvation this! Christ takes a worm and transforms it into an angel; Christ takes a black and deformed thing and makes it clean and matchless in His glory, peerless in His beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs. O my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth of perfection in Christ.
Sermon Outline
- The Imperfection of Man
- The Perfection of Christ
- The Future Realization of Perfection
- The Church will be presented faultless before the throne
- The believer will be holy and glorious
Key Quotes
“You are 'perfect in Christ Jesus.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
“With my Saviour's garments on, Holy as the Holy One.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Christ takes a worm and transforms it into an angel; Christ takes a black and deformed thing and makes it clean and matchless in His glory, peerless in His beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Stand in faith on the truth of your completeness in Christ and your acceptance in the Beloved.
- Look forward to the future realization of perfection, when every stain of sin is removed and you are presented faultless before the throne.
- Admire the blessed truth of perfection in Christ and the marvellous salvation it offers.