The Perfection of God's Moral Attributes and Our Calling

Matthew 5:48 commands believers to be perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. This requirement demands clarification through five moral attributes of Elohim.

First, God is perfectly wise. Wisdom denotes the right use of knowledge, residing in both will and understanding. We must seek wisdom earnestly (Proverbs 4:5, 7) and petition God to direct our paths.

Second, God is perfectly good. His goodness renders all other attributes engaging to us. The Psalmist declares, "The Lord is good to all; his compassion rests upon all he has made" (Psalm 145:9, 16). This demands that our powers bless His name and that we practice goodness toward others.

Third, God is perfectly holy—His transcendent excellence infinitely distinguishes Him from all creation. We are called to follow after holiness in response.

Fourth, God is perfectly just. His distributive justice ensures equal reward and punishment without corruption. "God cannot be awed by any power to pervert judgment." This should awaken holy awe within us and compel us to be found in Jesus Christ, clothed in His righteousness.

Fifth, God is truth itself. We must embrace His revelation and trust His promises with full reasonableness.

Conclusion: Blessed are they who, grounded in these truths, call this perfect Being their Father and God.