The Paradox of Perfection... Unraveling the Mysteries of Faith

Embracing Mystery

The concept of mystery, in a religious context, refers to a truth that can only be known through divine revelation. It's a profound idea that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of organized religion. When a community of believers strays from embracing divine mysteries, they risk transforming from a church into a mere religious organization. 

Believers who claim to have "figured it all out" and no longer dwell in the realm of divine mystery are, in essence, leaning on their own understanding rather than trusting in the Lord. This is contrary to the teachings of Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not to lean on our own understanding. It's a call to submit to God's wisdom, which often comes wrapped in mystery, and trust that He will guide us on the right path.

The Power of Divine Mystery

The power of divine mystery is beautifully encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8. It speaks of a wisdom that is not of this age or of the rulers of this age, but of God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and destined for our glory before time began. This wisdom, this mystery, is something that the rulers of this age failed to understand, leading to the crucifixion of the Lord of Glory. The Bible is teaching us that if the forces of Hell understood the transformative work of Christ in the people of God who embrace and live in the realm of divine mystery they would not have crucified Jesus.  The power of God manifested in His people through His mysteries is immeasurable.

Understanding God's Glory and Kingdom

God's Glory is the infinite beauty and greatness of His manifold perfections. It's an experience that transcends time, location, people, our needs, and our future. When we encounter God's glory, we can't help but worship, for we are experiencing His divine perfections manifesting in us, through us, and around us. This is even more astonishing when we ponder the truth that He has chosen imperfect humans through which to manifest His perfect plan.

God's Kingdom, on the other hand, is the future reign of God breaking into the present through the life and ministry of Jesus. It's the divine intervention that has saved us and continues to break into the world through us, the Church.

Manifestations of God's Glory

God's glory manifests in three powerful ways. Firstly, it makes us beautiful, both individually and corporately, as described in Ephesians 5:25-27. Secondly, it allows us to live in greatness, not as the world defines it, but in the unique and wonderful destiny that God has planned for each of us. Lastly, in God's glory, we are perfect. This perfection is not our own, but the infinite beauty and greatness of God's manifold perfections manifesting in us.

The Paradox of Perfection

Perfection, in a Christian context, doesn't mean living a life free from imperfections. Instead, it's about becoming "perfect" through having God's life and love manifested in and through our imperfect lives.  Paradoxically, the writer to the Hebrews states that the perfect Lord Jesus "became perfect" through what He suffered (Hebrews 2:9-10). Jesus was already perfect yet, "became perfect" as He manifested the Father's life and love. The greatest suffering in the universe, the crucifixion of Jesus, brought about the greatest perfection - God's ultimate perfection through the Cross.

The Call to Perfection

Despite our imperfections and weaknesses, we are called to be perfect (Matthew 5:28, Matthew 19:21, James 3:2). This doesn't mean achieving flawlessness, but rather, allowing God's glory to manifest His perfection through us, even in our weakness. This is the Kingdom of God erupting into our world!  However, as we experience more of God's glory and perfection, we also become more acquainted with our own imperfections as He walks us down the life-long path of sanctification. This is a humbling process, reminding us of our total dependence on Him (2 Corinthians 12:6-10).

The Revelation of Mysteries

By carefully observing what God is doing, we can learn of His track record of mystery in the context of a call to faithful obedience. This understanding cannot be earned; it is learned and lived through the unveiling of His purposes for our lives in the context of our weakness. When our weaknesses are overcome by divine intervention and healing the Kingdom of God manifests.

However, we must tread carefully. Many have strayed from the path of faith, succumbing to the temptation to avoid mystery and glory because it allows them to take the easy road of taking credit for accomplishments in life rather than attributing them to God. We must resist this temptation and instead say, "Look what the Lord has done," rather than, "Look what we (or I) have done."

Allowing God's Glory to Manifest

In conclusion, the mystery of perfection is not about achieving a state of flawlessness, but about allowing God's glory to manifest His perfection in us, even in our weakness. It's about embracing the divine mysteries and trusting in the Lord's wisdom, even when it doesn't align with our own understanding. It's about living in the infinite beauty and greatness of God's manifold perfections and allowing the Kingdom of God to erupt into our world.