17. Christian Perfection

CHAPTER XVII Christian Perfection When we speak of Christian perfection, we do not mean a perfection that applies to the physical and mental natures, but a perfection that applies only to the moral nature of man. Physical perfection that is absolute will not be reached until this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality at the resurrection of the just. Concerning this absolute perfection, Paul says, "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" (Php 3:13-14). The perfectness of the just that. Paul here speaks of is the perfection to be attained at the resurrection of the dead. "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (Php 3:11). Yet there is a perfection to which Paul counts not only himself but also some of those to whom he wrote to have attained. "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you" (Php 3:15). So there is a perfection to which we shall not attain until the resurrection of the just, and there is a perfection to which we may attain in this life.

Perfection attainable in this life relates to the moral nature of man. " Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1 ). Holiness is begun in the justified state and perfected in entire sanctification. Christian perfection, then, is a qualitative idea? and is applied to the moral quality of a Christian’s experience. When we speak of Christian perfection, therefore, we mean no such perfection as would make us either physically perfect or mentally infallible.