7) Perfection and Jesus
What does it mean to 'be perfect'? And why does everything come down to Jesus? The last lesson reveals that Christian perfection is maturity in relationship — and that the end is always a Person.
We have reached the last lesson of this journey. We have walked a path that began with the problem of sin, passed through the cross, faith, forgiveness, assurance, relationship, obedience, and growth. Now, we face the most challenging question: what did Jesus mean by “be ye perfect”? And where does all this lead us?
The answer may surprise you — because in the end, it all comes down to a Person.
Perfection: What Jesus Really Meant
Few words of Jesus cause as much anxiety as this one: “Be ye perfect.”
What did Jesus mean by 'be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect'?
The Greek word for “perfect” here is teleios, which means both maturity and fullness. The context of Matthew 5 speaks about love for enemies. Jesus is saying: “Be complete in love, as the Father is complete.” It is more about fullness of character than absence of flaws. It is maturity, not impeccability.
Did Paul consider himself perfect?
If Paul — who wrote half of the New Testament — did not consider himself perfect, that tells us something important. Christian perfection is not a destination we reach and that’s it. It is a direction in which we walk. Paul “pressed toward the mark.” He didn’t stop. He didn’t give up. But he also didn’t pretend to have arrived.
“Christian perfection does not consist in a state of ecstasy or spiritual rapture, but in a constant submission to the will of God and a life of communion with Him.” — Ellen G. White, Sanctification, p. 91.
What will happen when Christ appears?
John gives us an eternal perspective: “When he shall appear, we shall be like him.” The complete transformation will happen at Jesus’ return. Meanwhile, we are in process — being transformed “from glory to glory.” Final perfection is a promise, not a requirement for now.
The Mystery: Christ in You
If perfection is maturity in relationship, then everything depends on who dwells in us.
What is the 'mystery' that Paul reveals to Christians?
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This is the revealed mystery. It is not our goodness, our theology, or our discipline that gives us hope. It is the presence of Christ dwelling in us. And shows that He doesn’t invade — He knocks at the door and waits to be invited.
What did Paul mean by 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me'?
Galatians 2:20 is the verse that summarizes this entire journey. The “I” that tried to save itself, that struggled, that failed and despaired — that “I” was crucified with Christ. And in its place, a new life: “Christ liveth in me.” Christian life is not imitation — it is habitation. Christ in us.
In the End, It All Comes Down to Jesus
In the end of this journey, the conclusion is simpler than it seems. After speaking about justification, sin, faith, law, works, growth, and perfection, everything converges to a single point.
To whom did Peter say: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life'?
When many were leaving Jesus because of hard teachings, Peter asked the right question: “To whom shall we go?” There was no alternative. There is none. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (). Not a way among many. The way.
What is the final invitation of the Bible?
The last invitation of the Bible is generous: “Come.” Not “deserve.” Not “strive.” Not “prove.” Just “come.” And the water of life is free. So this study began — with grace — and so it ends.
“To behold Christ is to behold Him who is the center and the circumference of all hope. … If we lose Christ, we lose all.” — Ellen G. White, The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1, p. 67.
Summary of the Journey
Throughout seven lessons, we have walked the path of saving grace. We saw that sin separated us from God, but the cross brought us reconciliation. Faith is shown as trust, much more than a simple belief, and surrender brings real freedom, not defeat. With complete forgiveness, our security rests in Christ.
Christian life centers on relationship, overcoming any to-do list. Obedience flows as a fruit of love, growth is continuous, and victory belongs to Jesus. Perfection, in this context, means spiritual maturity and not impeccability. In the end, everything converges on a single Person.
The focus is not on what we need to do, but on whom we need to know.
My Decision
At the end of this journey, I recognize that everything comes down to Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. I accept His invitation: “Come.” I desire to know Him personally, not merely as doctrine, but as a Person. I surrender my life to Christ, trusting that He will complete the work He started in me. By His grace, and only by it, I have hope.