SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Hebrews 10.

Scripture

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” –Hebrews 10:14

Observation

Perfected (Greek: teleioo): To make perfect, complete; to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end. To add what is wanting in order to render a thing whole.

The contemporary definition is to be completely free from fault or defect.

Application

This word should be used and should be adequately defined. Often, when describing their walk with God, Christians will add in the phrase, “Not that I’m perfect.” By this, they mean, “Not that I’m without fault or defect.” And yet, we are “perfect” in that God has accomplished His work of salvation, justification and redemption in us.

We have been made complete/perfect in God’s eyes (our position) even though our daily walk (our condition) is in the process of being made whole, complete and without any flaw.

Prayer

Father, thank You that through the offering of Your son, Jesus Christ. I have been made perfect, complete, whole! I am forgiven, redeemed and justified by His blood!

But this is not just a positional truth. You are transforming me into this very complete perfection on a day to day basis. Your Spirit is at work in me. You have given me a new heart. You use trials and hardships to make me “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4).

Hallelujah! Father, keep working in me, I pray. Might I be like soft, moldable clay in Your hands. Change my heart–perfect it in love–I pray.

Make me to be (in experience) what You have already made me to be in Christ!

All for Your glory,
Amen.