Pursuing Perfection: The Christian’s Calling to Grow in Christ

Al Felder
Jul 6, 2025
2 min read

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

In a world that either idolizes perfection or dismisses it as unattainable, Scripture calls Christians to pursue something far greater than self-improvement: spiritual perfection in Christ. This pursuit isn’t about flawless performance—it’s about transformation, sanctification, and faithfully walking in the Spirit.

Perfection Begins with Obedience to the Gospel

When we obey the gospel—believing in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing His name, and being baptized—we enter into what can be called a "perfect state" before God. This moment is described in many ways throughout the New Testament:

Saved (Mark 16:16)
Born Again (John 3:3)
Justified (Romans 3:24)
Washed (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Redeemed (1 Peter 1:18)
Righteous (1 Corinthians 1:30)

In that moment, we are spiritually made perfect—not because of our efforts, but because of our faith in Christ’s perfect sacrifice.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

Living in an Imperfect World with a Perfect Status

Even though God considers us perfect through Christ, we still live in a fallen world and battle against sin. We are not sinless—but we are cleansed, justified, and called to grow in holiness.

When we stumble, we have the second law of pardon—the promise of forgiveness if we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). This grace is not a license to sin, but a reminder that we are continually being shaped into the image of Jesus.

Pursuing Perfection is a Daily Commitment

Paul doesn’t call Christians to settle for grace without growth. Instead, we are to “present [our] bodies a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) and “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind.” This active pursuit of spiritual maturity is what Scripture calls:

Sanctification (Romans 6:19)
Faithfulness (3 John 1:5)
Perseverance (Ephesians 6:18)
Holiness (Colossians 3:12)

The Spirit, through the word, leads us away from the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21) and into the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

The Harmony of a Life Pursuing Perfection

When we walk in the Spirit and seek to reflect Christ, it produces harmony:

With God — because we are living according to His will.
With others — because we serve in humility and love (Philippians 2:1–5).
Within ourselves — because our conscience is clean, and our life has a purpose.

This harmony creates what Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit, not only transforming us but blessing those around us. It results in genuine worship, authentic fellowship, and a deep, abiding joy.

Final Thought

We are made perfect in Christ through faith—but we are also called to pursue perfection through daily surrender, spiritual growth, and love for others.

Don’t settle for being stagnant. Seek the perfection of Christ as your daily goal. Let it shape your worship, your character, your relationships, and your life.