We are broken. This is a simple fact that should be undisputed, although we all like to argue it. We are broken because of sin. It started in the Garden of Eden, but it has continued through our own rebellious choices. Yet, there is another truth for a Christian. We are already, but not yet. We are already seen as perfect by God the Father, while He is doing the work of perfecting us in this life. It started with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It isn’t something that we can do on our own. Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
The writer of Hebrews is beginning to show how Jesus is a better sacrifice than the Old Testament sacrifices. In the Old Testament, there were daily sacrifices necessary. But there was also a yearly sacrifice to cover the nation’s sins. The thing to remember is this was something that had to be done yearly. However, with Jesus’ sacrifice, it was once for all. The perfect died for the imperfect. From the moment you surrender to God’s grace in faith, He instantly saves you. At that moment, we go from sinful to sinless. This doesn’t mean that we are perfect. Instead, it is how God the Father sees us because of the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. This is what Paul was talking about when He wrote that we have been given the righteousness of Jesus. Here is the paradox, we are perfect yet being perfected. God sees us as He sees Jesus. Yet, there is a process that every believer goes through called sanctification. The process is lifelong, it is done by God as we submit to the Holy Spirit, and it is guaranteed to be done. This is one area that the sovereignty of God helps us to understand life. Because God is in control of all things at all times, we can learn to see everything in our life as accomplishing His purpose. This is exactly what God is doing, even during the difficult times of life, God is teaching us and transforming us. Put simply, He is perfecting us through the preparation process. No, it doesn’t take away the pain or the sadness that comes with life. What it does is give purpose to it. This is the greatest challenge for us at times, to remember that God is working His purpose out in our lives. It may not feel like it right now, but one day it is going to be worth it if we surrender our life to the Lord.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin