What does the bible say about perfection or being perfect? Wasn’t and isn’t it attainable for Christians? ~ Harrison Maduike
Are Christians perfect? That depends on what one means by the word, “perfect.” We have a tendency to think of “perfect” religiously as being sinlessly perfect. However, that is not the way in which the word “perfect” is used in the New Testament respecting Christians. Notice some following examples of the way in which the words “perfect” and “perfection” are used in the New Testament regarding Christians.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God” (Hebrews 6:1). The word “perfection” here comes from the Greek teleiotes, which means “(the state) completeness (mentally or morally)” (Strong’s). In this verse, the Christian is urged to continue toward completeness as a Christian. Second Corinthians 13:9 reads, “For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” Here, the Greek word for “perfection” is katartisis, and it means “thorough equipment” (Strong’s). Paul wrote that he desired the Corinthians to be thoroughly equipped in the Christian faith.
The English word “perfect” likewise appears in several New Testament passages, too. Matthew 5:48 reads, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” In this verse, teleios is translated as “perfect”; it means “complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.)” (Strong’s). Vine’s notes that the word can mean “having reached its end… finished, complete, perfect… fully grown, mature.” God’s children are to be complete, comparable to the completeness of God, as we imitate Him. We need to finish our transformation into becoming faithful Christians (Romans 12:2); we need to mature spiritually. The “perfect man” of Ephesians 4:13 is a spiritually mature man, and it is used in the same way in Philippians 3:15 and Colossians 1:28 as well as in Colossians 4:12 and James 3:2. The rich young ruler would have demonstrated that he was perfect or mature had he followed the instructions of our Lord (Matthew 19:21).
Second Corinthians 13:11 uses the English word “perfect” from the Greek katartizo, which means “to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust” (Strong’s). “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” The Christian walk is one of perpetual repair toward the end of making ourselves thoroughly complete in the practice of Christianity. That is the sense of Hebrews 13:21; “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” The 1 Peter 5:10 reference to “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” also demonstrates the chronic adjusting that Christians undergo to be thoroughly complete Christians.
Then, 2 Timothy 3:17 refers to being made “perfect,” too. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Artios appears in the Greek in this place, meaning “fresh, i.e. (by implication) complete” (Strong’s).
All of the occasions in the New Testament where the English word “perfect” appears have to do with the process through which we as Christians go and continue to go to maintain our status as faithful Christians. We are ever in the process of maturing and completing our Christianity. None of the references pertain to a state of sinless perfection attained by even the children of God who are governed by the New Testament. Yes, Christians are “perfect” if they are mature and involved always in the process of thoroughly endeavoring to completely conform to Christian instruction, or to imitate God.
Works Cited
Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. CD-ROM. Seattle: Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, 2006.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. CD-ROM. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1985.
