Signing off perfection - 31 October 2023

The chorus of the 80s song, “Perfect”, by Fairground Attraction was swirling around in my head:

“It’s got to be perfect, it’s got to be worth it, yeah
Too many people take second best
Well, I won’t take anything less
It’s got to be, yeah, perfect ”

It was the perfect accompaniment to my mental gymnastics about the flawless nature of the Word of God. Here is why.

Signing off on a project or piece of writing in the days of old was a different kettle of fish compared to today; way back, it had had to meet exacting standards. Printing books was laborious and accuracy paramount. Modern, digital offerings lend themselves to quick updates and speedy new releases. Not so in the days when the printing press was invented or when books were arduously produced by hand.

I was reflecting on all of this a while ago and thinking about how God would have felt when the greatest love letter to mankind was completed. Considering that everything he made in creation was regarded as good, I was toying with the idea of how he perceived the written Word. Ergo the song.

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:31) Unsurprisingly, God has succeeded in producing the undisputed greatest book of all time, certainly the best seller in all the world. It has, of course, proven its inerrancy over the years. Prophecy after prophecy has been fulfilled just as the Bible had predicted it would.

Moreover, it does the amazing job of being simple enough for any individual to understand, and then come to a saving faith in Christ. Yet, the depth of the Holy Scriptures can be plumbed by the most intelligent scholars for many lifetimes and still it would exceed any depth and intelligence of mind that these masters can dream of. So great is the Word of God.

And it does not need an update or new interpretations for a modern audience, no, the Author has completed the work and it stands. No new words of revelation are required. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18)

“The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” (Revelation 22:6)

What a wonderful God we serve. He has given us all we need for this life and beyond.

Prayer: Thank you for your Word, God, that really is a lasting legacy that will lead us to an eternity with you. Amen