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'?
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Answer: That we must mature in love and character — as the Father is complete in love
Matthew 5:48: "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?
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Answer: No — but he pressed toward the mark, forgetting those things which are behind
Philippians 3:12-14: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
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.
“Sanctification is a daily work.” — Ellen G. White, The Sanctified Life, p. 92, par. 1.
What will happen when Christ appears?
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Answer: We shall see Him as He is, and we shall be like Him
1 John 3:2: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
John gives us an eternal perspective: “When he shall appear, we shall be like him.” Full likeness to Christ will be completed at His return; today we are called to grow in Him, by grace, being transformed “from glory to glory.”
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?
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Answer: That Christ in you is the hope of glory
Colossians 1:27: "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"
“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'?
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Answer: That the ego was replaced by the living presence of Christ — life is now by faith
Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for 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 merely external imitation; it is Christ dwelling 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'?
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Answer: To Jesus — when many disciples were abandoning Him
John 6:68: "Then Simon Peter answered him, 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?
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Answer: Come — and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely
Revelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
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.
“Jesus Christ is everything to us—the first, the last, the best in everything.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 389, par. 1.
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.