Among the various definitions of the word "perfect" found in an English dictionary are "flawless," "pure," "errorless," "faultless." The application of these definitions to the word "perfect" as found in English translations of the New Testament has, unfortunately, led to certain doctrinal errors. Notable among these errors is the doctrine of the attainment of sinless perfection by man on earth.
A study of the Greek words which are translated "perfect" in our English Bibles reveals that none of the above definitions ("flawless," "pure," etc.) is applicable to the New Testament use of the word "perfect." In this and a subsequent issue we will consider, respectively, the two most common of these Greek words, teleios and katartizo.
Greek dictionaries give the following meanings for the word teleios (tel’-ay-os):"ended," "finished," "complete," "full grown," "mature." We will illustrate these definitions by looking at a few verses from the New Testament.
A verse which has been widely misinterpreted to support the notion of sinless perfection is, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). To be sure, our Father which is in heaven is perfectly sinless and holy, but it is seen from the context that this is not the thought expressed in this verse. Just as the Father "maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust," the disciples are exhorted to manifest love for all men, not their neighbors only. "Perfect" in this context, therefore, has reference to the complete, thorough, unbiased love and grace we should show toward others, without respect of person.
The word "perfect" also has the connotation of "complete" in scriptures referring to our Saviour. Luke 13:32, Hebrews 2:10 and Hebrews 5:9 all speak of Christ becoming perfect at the end of his course on earth. It would be gross error to say that "perfect" means sinlessness in these verses. Rather, it is referring to the completion of His work of salvation by His death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection and glorification.
"Perfect" is also used in the New Testament scriptures to describe the culminating experience for faithful men. Hebrews 11:40 and 12:23 speak, of the perfection (that is, the glorification through resurrection) of the Old Testament saints. In Philippians 3 the Apostle Paul declares his desire to arrive at resurrection. He was not already perfect (verse 12); that is, his life and experience were not completed, and he was not yet fully conformed to the image of Christ (see Philippians 3:21, Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2), for he had not yet attained the resurrection-glory. But this was the goal toward which he pressed, namely, the calling above of God (verse 14). The Apostle was not willing to sit back and enjoy the things of this age while waiting to be taken to be with and like the Lord. Rather, he had the holy desire to know and possess as much of Christ as he could before being called above. (See 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:3.)
In contrast to verse 12 of Philippians 3, we read in verse 15, "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded." Who are these "perfect" ones whom the Apostle addresses? Clearly, they are not resurrected saints. Might we not say that "perfect" in this context has the connotation of "full-grown" or "mature" in a spiritual sense. Those who are spiritually mature are ones who "have known Him that is from the beginning" (1 John 2:13), who, like Paul, have Christ as the chief object and occupation of their hearts (Philippians 3:10-14). The thought of full growth or maturity is also found in Hebrews 5:13-14:"For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness:for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age [teleios], even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Again, it is only as we have Christ as our standard that we can rightly judge good and evil.
In conclusion, let us consider Hebrews 9:8-9:"The first tabernacle . . . was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience." Being perfect as pertaining to the conscience is the same as having no more conscience of sins (Hebrews 10:1-2). As a result of our faith in "the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10) our conscience is completed, finished, put to rest with respect to its condemning us because of sin. That is not to say that the one who believes in Christ loses his conscience, but that no sin remains upon the conscience between his soul and God. How thankful we should be that we can have the knowledge that our sins are forever put away from the sight of God.
Finally, brethren, let us be diligent to encourage, help, and pray earnestly for one another that, as the Apostle Paul desired, we all might be presented perfect [full grown] in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28).