An Unblemished Record – Genesis 6:9

by Pastor John Fredericksen

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Among the most important places to have an unblemished record is in the American political arena. Over recent decades, winning an election has become less about the issues in one’s political platform than it is about the amount of mudslinging hurled at a rival. Consequently, candidates have had to drop out of primary races for the Senate or President of the United States, and many have lost the election when their personal or political conduct has been exposed.

In a Christian’s daily walk with the Lord, the need for an unblemished record is just as important. The Lord’s description of Noah was that he “… was a just man and perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9). The word “just” means lawful or righteous;1 and the word “perfect” means without blemish, complete, full, sincere, without spot, or undefiled.2 The Lord was not saying Noah was completely sinless. No one other than the Lord Jesus Christ lived entirely apart from sin. The Lord was saying Noah had an unblemished re- cord of devotion to Him, apart from heinous sins, as he consistently “walked with God.” In every dispensation, those who had “the righteousness of faith” (Romans 4:13) were given a positional standing of perfection. Hebrews 10:14 describes it this way: “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Likewise, I Corinthians 2:6 refers to believers when it says, “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect…” While we are thankful for this secure standing with God, the Lord also urges believers to maintain a practice of righteous conduct. The “Almighty God” told Abram, “…walk before Me and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). Recognizing this divine expectation, the Apostle Paul’s testimony was: “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that… for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12). In other words, Abram was being urged to genuinely consecrate himself in devotion to the Lord apart from unrighteousness; and Paul was saying he was sincerely pursuing a consistent, godly walk with the Lord.

But how can anyone realistically achieve a life that the Lord would characterize as “perfect”? A perfect walk before the Lord is not sinlessness. It is a mature spiritual walk in genuine devotion and obedience to the Lord. It is rooted in a daily walk with God that chooses to be transformed by His Word, having regular time in prayer, and surrounding ourselves with fellowship that encourages godliness. Make the decision today to intentionally pursue perfection.


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Start each day with short, devotional articles taken from the book Daily Transformation by Pastor John Fredericksen. As Pastor Fredericksen writes in the introduction:

"We welcome you, as you journey with us..., to not only learn information, but to benefit from examples of faith and failure, and seek to apply God’s Word to every day life. Together, let’s transition from only studying theories of doctrine, to applying God’s truths in a practical way every day. May God use these studies to help you find daily transformation."