Ellen Chapman centered her sermon on the concluding words of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the concept of perfection from a biblical perspective.

"But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48

Understanding Perfection:

- Dictionary Definition: Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, and characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.

- Biblical Definition: Complete, whole, and fully developed; totally righteous.

Key Points

1. Perfection through Jesus:

- True followers of Christ attain perfection through Jesus’ grace and atonement, made possible by His death and resurrection.

- We are endowed with grace to live as perfectly as we can, striving for holiness.

2. Holiness:

- Holiness is defined as being morally and spiritually excellent.

- Jesus serves as the ultimate model for holiness. By following and imitating Him, we strive towards perfection.

3. Love and Perfection:

- Loving others as God has loved us is a manifestation of perfection in God’s sight.

4. Individual Calling:

- Embrace and be who God has created you to be; authenticity in our calling is crucial.

5. Living the Gospel:

- To make a difference and spread the Gospel effectively, we must strive to live as perfect a life as possible.

- By imitating Jesus, who showed kindness, cared for others, healed the sick, and associated with sinners, we can impact the world around us.

Ellen emphasised that the journey to perfection is one of grace, imitation of Christ, and genuine love for others. By aspiring to live holy lives and embracing our unique God-given identities, we can make a meaningful difference in the world and embody the Gospel in our daily actions.

To Be Perfect