NoahSample

A Complete Man

In some Bible translations, we read in Genesis 6:9 that Noah was perfect. The word ‘perfect’ here can be confusing. Noah is not being referred to as flawless, in the way we normally consider perfection. It is not that he was devoid of faults or had an absence of sin.

‘Perfect’ is translated in the Greek Old Testament with the word telios. Telios might be better translated as ‘complete.’

Telios shows up as the word ‘finisher’ in Hebrews 12:2, “[Jesus] is the author and finisher of our faith.”

The idea is that Noah was a complete person. He was just. He was righteous. Noah walked with God. He tried his best, believing God and doing as God commanded, making his decisions in accordance with God’s way. Noah was ‘complete’ in terms of the kind of life God calls us to. God knew Noah and He didn’t demand perfection from him. God demanded faithfulness and Noah acted in consequence.

When Noah built the ark just as God asked him to, according to the instructions God gave him, Noah showed us what being ‘complete’ looks like. To be ‘complete’ is to follow God’s ways without taking shortcuts, without any “I think I know better” steps.

It is comforting to know that we do not have to be perfect, in the modern sense of the word. However, we are called to complete our ark. To make it seaworthy. To continue working on it until our lives are finished. To do all God asks from us. No more, no less.

Jesus authored our faith, which means He originated it. He completed it, rounding it out. He nailed every sin to the cross and paved our way to heaven. To be a child of God requires simple faith.

To please God requires that we believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It means to have the commitment to telios—to complete what God has given us to do.

Let’s ask God to help us to live in a perfect way, according to His Word. Lord, thank You for paying for all of our sins on the cross. We are not perfect, but we want to please You all the days of our lives. We want to be faithful to You. We believe in You, and in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. Please help us to walk in Your perfection.