D. Scott Meadows

“Made perfect.” —Hebrews 12.23

Recollect that there are two kinds of perfection which the Christian needs—the perfection of justification in the person of Jesus [Rom 8.1; Gal 2.16], and the perfection of sanctification wrought in him by the Holy Spirit [Gal 3.3].

At present, corruption yet remains even in the breasts of the regenerate—experience soon teaches us this. Within us are still lusts and evil imaginations. But I rejoice to know that the day is coming when God shall finish the work which he has begun [Phil 1.6; 2.13]; and he shall present my soul [Jude 24], not only perfect in Christ, but perfect through the Spirit, without spot or blemish, or any such thing [Eph 5.27]. Can it be true that this poor sinful heart of mine is to become holy even as God is holy [1 Pet 1.15, 16]? Can it be that this spirit, which often cries, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this sin and death?” [Rom 7.24] shall get rid of sin and death—that I shall have no evil things to vex my ears, and no unholy thoughts to disturb my peace?

Oh, happy hour! may it be hastened! When I cross the Jordan, the work of sanctification will be finished; but not till that moment shall I even claim perfection in myself. Then my spirit shall have its last baptism in the Holy Spirit’s fire [Matt 3.11]. Methinks I long to die to receive that last and final purification which shall usher me into heaven. Not an angel more pure than I shall be, for I shall be able to say, in a double sense, “I am clean” [Job 33.9], through Jesus’ blood, and through the Spirit’s work.

Oh, how should we extol [praise] the power of the Holy Ghost in thus making us fit to stand [Psa 1.5] before our Father in heaven [Psa 135.2]! Yet let not the hope of perfection hereafter make us content with imperfection now. If it does this, our hope cannot be genuine; for a good hope is a purifying thing, even now [1 Jn 3.2, 3]. The work of grace must be abiding in us now or it cannot be perfected then [Heb 12.14]. Let us pray to “be filled with the Spirit” [Eph 5.18], that we may bring forth increasingly the fruits of righteousness [Phil 1.11; Heb 12.11; Jas 3.18].

—C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, 15 May PM

On Hebrews 12.23

Inhabitants of the “heavenly Jerusalem” include “the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb 12.22, 23). John Owen and others properly understand this “as an inclusive designation, comprehending all who through faith have been accounted righteous by God (10.38) from the beginning of the world onward (ch. 11) and who now, their earthly pilgrimage being completed, have experienced for themselves that Jesus is not only the pioneer but also the perfecter of their faith (12.2). . . . They are essentially ‘made perfect,’ since ‘they have realized the end for which they were created in virtue of the completed work of Christ’” (Hughes, Hebrews, in loc.). This includes complete cleansing from all their sins and the ethical, constitutional fullness of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5.22, 23). Thus Spurgeon chooses a worthy biblical text for his subject matter: the ultimate completion of progressive sanctification.

General observations on this devotional message

The warmth of Spurgeon’s devout soul arises from the precision of his biblical theology. Wesleyan Methodists had long taught that the attainment of “Christian perfection” of a sort (often misunderstood by critics) is attainable in this life, distinguishing some Christians from others. Spurgeon knew of their teaching and, whatever its virtues, knew it was defective. Instead, his position has come to be known as “progressive sanctification.” A better non-technical description of its substance could hardly be found than this particular devotional message.

The structure of this devotional message

I. Distinction of two kinds of perfection: legal and spiritual
II. Desire for future spiritual perfection
III. Declaration of future spiritual perfection
IV. Dedication now on account of future spiritual perfection: to praising God, to pursuing holiness, and to praying for progress

Points for further reflection

1. Forensic (legal) justification is perfect and identical for every Christian in this life, because it is Christ’s own righteousness imputed to us. There are no “degrees of justification.”

2. The transformation of any particular believer’s soul is not only progressing in a distinctive way from any other believer, but it is manifest in different ways daily in his own experience. Any actual sins are spiritual setbacks; the way forward is by mortification (putting sins to death in evangelical repentance) and vivification (enlivening of the soul by the Holy Spirit).

3. While justification and sanctification are distinct, they are never separate. All and only the justified are being sanctified. An experience of progressive sanctification is evidence of justification.

4. Confidence in final and complete salvation, rather than undermining present spirituality, inspires and promotes it. The gospel of free grace by the sovereign omnipotence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is the only message by which people are saved, both now and forever. Ω