PER:
by Jim Reyna

     The death of the Ayatollah is a significant event for Christians.  He was the embodiment of an anti-Christ, a lunatic, a madman, power-crazy.  Now he has gone to face the God of eternity and must pay the penalties of his folly.  We can derive no joy from the fact that he will spend eternity in torment.  We do wonder, however, how many chances he had in his lifetime 
to repent.  Surely he heard the Gospel preached at some time in his life.  One must reflect, also, that the fate of the Ayatollah is no different than  that of ANYONE who rejects Jesus as Lord.  What about your neighbor?  How about you?  Are you ready to face God?

     There is an article in this issue that will undoubtedly prove to be controversial.  It deals with "The perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13:10 and thus  with the permanency of spiritual gifts.  Are they valid manifestations of the Holy Spirit today?  Are they for the church today?  Since it is lengthy, it will be printed in installments.  Please read this article prayerfully.  As always, your comments are welcome.

     Speaking of comments, I would like to include a "Letters to the Editor" section in the next issue.  Please call my bbs, THE NEW M.A.E. BOARD, 505-326-0332, 300/1200/2400, 24 hours daily and leave your comments in the Religious Resources section.  You can also upload articles for The Electronic Evangelist in that section.

     "Thank you!" to the SysOps who have encouraged me in this labor of love by posting this magazine on their boards.

     As always, please feel free to upload this magazine to any bbs that you call.  It is a good way to spread the Good News and the SysOp will appreciate your participation.

What Is The Perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10?

     The purpose of this article is to discern the meaning of "the perfect" 
(TO TELEION, Greek) in 1 Corinthians 13:10.

          "but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away."

     Historically, there are several meanings assigned to "the perfect" in this passage.  We will discuss six possible meanings and determine which is scriptural and thus accurate.

     "The perfect" (TO TELEION) is said to refer to:
          1.  Christ
          2.  Heaven
          3.  Love
          4.  The inclusion of the Gentiles into the church
          5.  The maturity of the body of Christ (the church)
          6.  The completed canon of Scripture.

    Each viewpoint is presented with positive and negative evidences.  This method is applied to each position, with the exception of "the inclusion of the Gentiles into the church."  In my research,  this position was not specifically refuted.  This is not to say that the position is irrefutable.  Perhaps the evidences presented to refute "the maturity of the body of Christ" are also applicable to the "gentile" view.  Also, the acceptance of any specific view eliminates acceptance of other views.

     It is helpful at this point to offer a definition of (TO TELEION) in order to avoid lengthy explanations in the body of this article.  TO TELEION is defined "complete, entire, as opposed to what is partial and limited, 1 Cor. 13:10;  brought to completion; fully accomplished, fully developed, James 1:4."[1]

     It also carries the meaning of "full-grown," "mature," or "adult" when 
referring to people. [2]

     Let us also consider that with the coming of "the perfect," specific spiritual gifts would be done away or would cease.  These gifts would include charismatic prophecy, knowledge, and speaking in tongues.  If "the perfect" (TO TELEION) has come, then the practice of charismata by the present-day "tongues movement" is neither valid nor Spirit-bestowed.  Herein lies the controversy.

     In view of this controversy, it is imperative to assign a valid meaning to "the perfect" by using available scholarship and ultimately and most authoritatively, the Scriptures.  By weighing the negative and positive evidences, we should be able to ascertain which definition of "the 
perfect" is correct.

     "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it 
will be done away.  For we know in part, and we prophecy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away."  1 Corinthians 13:8-10

     The first position that we will evaluate is the "Christ view."  This position states that "the perfect" refers to Jesus.

     Some modern-day pentecostals adhere to this position because it validates their belief in the use of tongues and other spiritual gifts.  The use 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 to substantiate this belief.  It is believed that the charismata is valid because "the perfect," Jesus, has not come.  When He comes, the gifts will cease.

     There is no Biblical evidence to support this assertion.  Gary Workman has explained that since Paul uses a neuter article (TO) and a substantive (an adjective used as a noun), "the perfect" should therefore be translated as "the perfect thing."[3]   Jesus is always referred to in masculine terminology in the New Testament.  Jesus is not a "thing."  He is a perfect man.  Jesus could not be the object of the neuter adjective.  The usage of the neuter article (TO) precludes "the perfect" from being Jesus or any other person, whether masculine or feminine.

     To further weaken this idea, Jimmy Jividen says that faith, hope, and love are to abide even when "the perfect" is realized.[4]   When Christ returns, faith will be made sight, hope will be fulfilled, and love will continue.  Keeping this in mind, "the perfect" cannot refer to Christ at His Second Coming.

     [1] Howard K. Moulton, editor, The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982), p. 400.

     [2] W. Arndt and F.W. Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979), p. 809.

     [3] Gary Workman, "That Which Is Perfect, (1 Cor. 13:10)," The Spiritual Sword, 12,3 (1981): pp. 13-14.

     [4] Jimmy Jividen, Glossolalia From God or Man, A Study In The Phenomenon of Tongue Speaking, (Ft. Worth: Star Bible Pub., 1971).

(TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT ISSUE)

      ----- Jim Reyna -----





Outline of Hebrews

     Jesus, The High Priest Forever According To The Order of Melchizedek,     Chapters 1 - 8:5
     Theme: 8:1,2 ... "Now the main point is what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man."

I.   The Superiority of Christ, 1 - 5:10
     A.   His superiority over prophets, 1:1-3
     B.   His superiority over angels, 1:4-14
     C.   His superior salvation, 2:1-3
     D.   His superiority over all things, 2:4-8
     E.   His superior propitiation, 2:9-17
     F.   His superiority over Moses, 3:1-6
     G.   His superior rest, 3:7 - 4:13
     H.   His superior assistance, 4:14-16
     I.   His superior designation as High Priest, 5:1-10

II.  Rebuke for spiritual immaturity, 5:11 - 6:20
     A.   Time did not mature them, 5:11 - 6:8
     B.   Exhortation to Godly action, 6:9-20

III. Melchizedekian Priesthood, 7:1-10

IV.  Nature of Jesus' Perfect Priesthood, 7:11 - 8:5
     A.   Former priesthood set aside, 7:11-21
     B.   The better covenant, 7:22-25
     C.   The Holy High Priest, 7:26 - 8:5

Jesus As The Mediator Of A Better Covenant, 8:6 - 10:31
Theme: 8:6, "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises."

I.   Limitations of the First Covenant, 8:6 - 9:10
     A.   Not faultless, 8:6-13
     B.   Earthly regulations of the tabernacle, 9:1-10
II.  The greater and more perfect tabernacle, 9:11-22
     A.   Blood of Christ cleanses, 9:11-14
     B.   Death is necessary, 9:15-17
     C.   Blood is necessary, 9:18-22
III. The Better Sacrifice, 9:23 - 10:31
     A.   Jesus died "once for all", 9:23 - 10:18
     B.   Exhortation to new life in Jesus, 10:19-31

The Former Days Of Endurance, 10:32 - 12:26
Theme: 10:32, "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured  a great conflict of sufferings."

I.   Conflict of sufferings, 10:32-34
II.  Examples of faith and endurance from the Old Testament, 11:1-40
III. Run the race with faith in Christ, 12:1,2
IV.  Endurance brings discipline, 12:3-13
V.   Seek sanctification, 12:14-17
VI.  The unshakable kingdom, 12:18-32

Exhortations And Restatements, 13
Theme:  13:22, "But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly."

I.   Exhortation to hospitality, benevolence, moral purity, 13:1-6
II.  Faith in the unchanging Christ, 13:7,8
III. Jesus' sacrifice surpasses Judaism, 13:9-14
IV.  Be thankful, do good, obey leaders, 13:15-17
V.   Request for prayers, 13:18,19
VI.  Benediction, 13:20,21
VII. Take heed to the writing, 13:22-24
VIII.Benediction, 13:25

     ----- Jim Reyna -----



     Free Correspondence Course Offer!

     With the demands of life, I know that it is hard to find time to study the Bible as much as you would like to.  It is even harder if you don't have a systematic method of study.  This enlightening, Scriptural Bible correspondence course will really be beneficial to you.

     You can study at your own pace!  You can delve deeply into God's Word and grow spiritually as you follow the course.

     The course is offered at no cost to you.  Simply request the first lesson.  It will be mailed to you.  When you complete it, return it to address on your lesson.  It will be graded and returned to you with Lesson Number Two.  When you complete all the lessons, you will be awarded a handsome certificate of completion.

     Take advantage of this offer now by requesting Lesson Number One.  Write to:

          B.C.C.
          4302 Rowe Avenue
          Farmington, NM   87401






STU:Why Should I Study The Bible?

I.   It is the powerful, living Word of God, Hebrews 4:12
     A.   Part of the Christian's armor, Ephesians 6:17
     B.   Performs work in believers, 1 Thessalonians 2:13
     C.   His word is like fire, Jeremiah 23:29

II.  God's Word shows us how to live and grown spiritually
     A.   The purpose and promise of Proverbs, Proverbs 1:1-6
     B.   We need to mature spiritually, Hebrews 5:12-6:2

     C.   The word is the food which provides growth, 1 Timothy 4:6
III. God's Word shows us how to be saved
     A.   We are born again by imperishable seed, 1 Peter 1:23
     B.   The Word produces faith, Romans 10:17
     C.   Jesus' words will judge, John 12:48

IV.  God's Word develops right thinking
     A.   We must renew our minds, romans 12:2
     B.   Christ's word must dwell in us, Colossians 3:16
     C.   As we think, so are we, Proverbs 23:7

Since the Bible is so important, how do I study it?

     You need a system!  Any system that fits your needs, time, and schedule is good.  But you must stick to it!  The key to beneficial study is consistency!

     Here are some suggestions for your study:

     Topical:  e.g.   Baptism
                      the Holy Spirit
                      Faith
     Use a concordance to note the various occurrences of the words.

     Book:    e.g.    Acts
                      Ephesians
                      Genesis
     Note special events, people, and commands in each book.

     Biographies      Jesus
                      David
                      Paul's missionary journeys
     Note any mistakes they made (except Jesus!) and how to avoid them and the lessons to be learned from their lives.

     Doctrines        The one church
                      Baptism as pertaining to salvation
                      Scriptural organization of the church
     Be ready to make a defense of the hope that lies within you.

     Jot down any ideas, observations, questions, and notes as you study.  Use the cross references in the margins of your Bible to add to the depth of meaning of a verse.  But remember that those references are not inspired by God.  They are the editors' ideas as to what pertains to that verse.  Discuss what you have discovered with your friends, both Christian and non-Christian.

     The more that we learn about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and apply it to our lives, the more consecrated we become unto our Lord!  The more that we learn about Jesus, the greater our desire becomes to be like Him.  The more that we learn about Jesus, the better prepared we are to share Him with others!

     Jim Reyna





An Unlikely Preacher

     The man in the tombs (Mark 5) was an unlikely prospect for any great thing.  The people had often sought to bind him in chains, but no one could subdue him.  Probably he was a source of anguish and concern to his family and friends, or ridicule, laughter, and fear for many others.  Legion dwelt in him.  When the legion was cast out, this man went and proclaimed in Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him.

     The man is introduced in a truly pitiful condition.  He had an unclean 
spirit.  His dwelling was among the tombs in the countryside near the sea.  No one could bind him, even with chains, breaking the binding fetters.  No 
one could tame him.  Continually he was in the mountains and among the tombs, crying and cutting himself with stones.

     As Jesus left the boat after arriving in the area, the man ran to Him and worshipped Him.  Jesus responded by immediately rebuking the unclean spirit and commanding that it leave the man.  The legion was granted permission and it entered into a herd of about two thousand swine, and the entire herd ran violently into the sea and was drowned.

     The herdsmen fled and told in the city and countryside what had happened, and the people went to see what was done.  They came to Jesus and 
were afraid seeing the previously possessed man now clothed and rational.  Their fear caused them to reject Jesus and to beseech Him to leave their coast.

     Jesus did leave, but as He came to the ship the man who had been possessed desired to go with Him.  Previously in Mark, Jesus had called Peter and Andrew, James and John, and Levi from his tax collecting, and said, "Follow Me."  Each of these had done that.  This man requested the same.  Jesus refused and sent him on a different task - "Go to your house unto your friends, ant tell them how great things the Lord had done for you, and how he had mercy on you," (Mark 5:9).

     How very unlikely it had been that this man would be the one to tell Decapolis of Jesus and His marvelous works.  God has, however, frequently used men who seemed unlikely in the beginning.  Moses considered himself "slow of speech and of a slow tongue."  But God sent him to Egypt to Pharoah and to the huge task of leading all Israel out and on to Canaan.  David was the youngest son of Jesse, and when Samuel called Jesse and his sons to anoint one as king, David was left at home to tend the sheep.  Esther was an orpahend child, raised by an uncle, of a captive people dwelling in a foreign land:  God used her to save all Israel.  Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen; Levi, a tax collector; Paul, a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians.  How unlikely they were!  How much we are like them!  They were shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors, orphans, even men demon-possessed; we are farmers, pipefitters, mechanics. One is as unlikely as the other, but God can use us.  Remember that His "strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).  We "live with Him by the power of God" (2 Corinthians 13:4).  We are all sinners, hopelessness without Him, but he has "once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18).  "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, ...I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:5,6).

     We are all so unlikely.  God is so powerful.  It is through His power that we labor, and it is to His glory when great things come.  By ourselves we are powerless.  Jesus told this man of Mark 5 to go, and of His proclamation, Mark 5:20 states, "all men marvelled."  Jesus has told us to go.  Do we go and by His power?  The more unlikely a candidate for greatness you seem to be, the more gloriously and powerfully God can use you.

     Fred Willmon
