The Call to Perfection

Perfection, in the biblical sense, is not about flawlessness in our own strength but about maturity, completeness, and wholehearted devotion to God. While sin renders every human imperfect, God — who is Himself perfect — calls His people to pursue perfection through His grace and power. This entry explores what perfection means, how it is formed in us, and the ultimate hope we have in Christ.

The Meaning of Biblical Perfection

God is perfect, and Jesus said, "Be perfect, as your heaven Father is perfect" (Mt 5:48). Perfection in Scripture is not about flawlessness in our own strength but a state of being mature, complete and lacking nothing. It is a character quality — moral completeness rather than sinless performance. Unfortunately, because of sin, humans are imperfect and cannot achieve perfection without God's help. While we will not achieve this prior to heaven, we should be working towards it by doing what is pleasing in God's eyes. We are to seek to be morally perfect, loving others, as Jesus said by our love all men will know we are His disciples (Jn 13:35; 1 Pet 1:15).

If we claim to be perfect, we deceive ourselves; however, we can aim for perfection without claiming to be faultless (2 Cor 13:11; 1 Jn 1:8-10). Paul didn't say he was perfect but was striving towards that goal (Phil 3:12-14). The whole of Scripture is beneficial to thoroughly equip us for every good work, so we may be perfect in Christ, doing what He would if He were still on earth in bodily form, for even as God sent Jesus into the world, so Jesus now sends us (Mt 28:19; Jn 14:12, 20:21; Col 1:28; 2 Tim 3:16-17).

The Refining Process of Perfection

People are one of the main means whereby our lives can be refined. The irksome, irritating traits of others, if responded to correctly, are what God will use to transform us from self-centeredness into a vessel of honour and usefulness in His Kingdom. Remember, we will annoy people by our habits too!

If unsure of a particular course of action try to visualise, then do what you believe Jesus would do. If we wait for the perfect conditions, we will not get anything done (Eccl 11:4). As we love each other we are outworking the nature of God, and His love is being made complete in us and also drives out fear (1 Jn 4:12-18).

We are being perfected by the imperfections of others

We will not be perfect this side of heaven, yet we must still embark on the process. The Lord whose way is perfect will make my way perfect, for His power is made perfect or complete in our weakness (Ps 18:30,32; 2 Cor 12:9). It is our responsibility to actively put off the old nature that defiles and put on the new Christ-like nature so we can help each other become mature, besides contributing to the life of the body of Christ (Eph 4:12,22-24; Col 3:5-10). The area that is most difficult to become perfect in is our speech as often our tongue speaks out even before we have thought — it expresses what is stored up inside (Mt 12:34; Jas 3:2). "You will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfastly trusting in you" (Isa 26:3).

Jesus was made perfect through the suffering He experienced, and so became the source of eternal life (Heb 2:10, 5:8-9). Similarly, "When He has tried me I shall come forth as pure gold" with the impurities of the carnal flesh removed, for it is as we correctly handle the issues that arise on the journey of life that our life is refined in Christ (Job 23:10; Jas 1:2-4).

Christ is the perfect example — model your life on Him

The Promise of Future Perfection

Because of Jesus we are seen in God's eyes as perfect — in position, not performance (2 Cor 5:17; Heb 8:12). In reality we are far from that stage of perfection, the process of attaining that goal is underway and will be completed provided we co-operate with Him (Rom 8:29; Phil 1:6, 3:20-21; Heb 10:14; 1 Jn 3:2-3; Jud 1:24).

God is perfect and consequently all He does is too, this includes the plan of salvation, heaven and His dealings with us. In our very limited understanding we have a lot of 'Why's' in relation to this life, yet when we arrive in heaven our perspective will change. Our earthly mindset will be replaced by a holy, heavenly outlook. God in grace and mercy offers forgiveness to all yet not all choose to trust in Christ; in effect they are rejecting perfection, God's dwelling place and rejecting God Himself.

God's perfection guarantees the perfection of heaven

Although some of our loved ones may be among those missing out on eternal life, and from our current assessment this would cause us pain and mourning, the Bible states He will wipe away all tears and the former things will pass away and we have a true view of His ways which are now beyond our comprehension (Rom 11:33; 1 Cor 13:12; Rev 21:4). From the perspective of those facing eternal damnation if they continue to reject the offer of salvation we should be stimulated in our efforts to point our loved ones (besides the lost in general) to faith in Christ, so they also will be in heaven. Jesus was the perfect man, and although tempted He never sinned, giving us the example and goal for us how to live (Jn 8:46; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:21-22).

Reflection and Application

In what area of your life is God currently calling you to pursue greater maturity and completeness?
How might the irritating traits of others actually be tools God is using to refine your character?
What would it look like to respond to a current situation as Jesus would?
How does knowing you are already seen as perfect in God's eyes — through Christ — change the way you approach your daily struggles?