Sep 10, 2025

I am perfect ?

Let's carefully examine the two verses in their biblical context to clarify the meaning of "perfect" and address the misunderstanding.

Matthew 5:48 — "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

  • Here, Jesus calls His followers to be "perfect" as God is perfect.
  • The word "perfect" in this context means to be complete in love and moral integrity, reflecting God's character.
  • It is a call to maturity and holiness in the way believers live, not a claim that humans have already reached divine perfection.
  • This verse is about ethical and spiritual growth, not about possessing a perfect text or scripture.

1 Corinthians 13:10 — "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

  • The phrase "that which is perfect" refers to the full, complete knowledge and experience of God that will come in the future.
  • Paul contrasts "the perfect" with "that which is partial," meaning the partial knowledge and spiritual gifts believers have now.
  • The "perfect" is associated with the return of Jesus Christ and the fullness of God's revelation and presence.
  • This verse does not say that the Bible itself is the "perfect" that has come; rather, it points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ's return and the complete knowledge of God then.

Refuting the misunderstanding:

  • The claim that "the perfect Bible" has come, based on 1 Corinthians 13:10, is a misunderstanding of the text.
  • The "perfect" is not a physical book but the complete and final revelation and experience of God, which will be fully realized when Jesus returns.
  • Matthew 5:48 calls believers to strive for spiritual maturity, not to claim they are already perfect or that possessing a Bible means perfection.
  • The Bible itself is a trustworthy and inspired text, but it is a means to grow in faith and knowledge, not the "perfect" that ends all partial things.

Summary:

Verse

Meaning of "Perfect"

Correct Understanding

Misunderstanding to Avoid

Matthew 5:48

Moral and spiritual maturity in God's love

Call to grow in holiness

Claiming personal or textual perfection now

1 Corinthians 13:10

Complete knowledge and experience of God at Christ's return

Future fulfillment in Christ, not a book

Claiming the Bible itself is the "perfect" that has come


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