THREE STAGES OF PERFECTION

THREE STAGES OF PERFECTION

According to Scofield Commentary

A theological perspective that divides the concept of perfection into three stages as outlined in the Scofield Reference Bible, a study Bible with commentary. These stages are often associated with Christian theology, particularly within certain denominational traditions like Dispensationalism. Let me provide a brief explanation of each stage:

I. Positional Perfection:

This stage refers to the moment of salvation when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. At this point, according to this perspective, the believer is considered "positionally perfect" in the sight of God because their sins are forgiven, and they are declared righteous through faith in Christ. It's often associated with the idea of justification.

II. Relative Perfection:

This stage represents the process of spiritual growth and maturity that occurs after a person becomes a Christian. It's a lifelong journey of becoming more Christ-like and involves sanctification—the process of being set apart and made holy. During this stage, believers are seen as becoming progressively more perfect or mature in their faith, although they still struggle with sin and imperfection in their daily lives. This is called spiritual maturity.

III. The Ultimate Perfection:

This final stage is associated with the idea of reaching perfection only when believers enter heaven in the afterlife. In this view, ultimate perfection is attained when believers are glorified and experience the fullness of their salvation, free from sin and the effects of sin. It is the state of perfection in the presence of God for all eternity.

Biblical proofs are often used to support each of these three stages of perfection from the theological perspective mentioned.

A. Positional Perfection:

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This verse highlights salvation by grace through faith, emphasizing that it is not based on human works.

Romans 5:1 (NIV): "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Justification through faith is a key aspect of positional perfection.

B. Relative Perfection (Spiritual Growth and Maturity):

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." This verse encourages believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ.

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV): "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." This verse emphasizes the growth of believers in their salvation.

C. The Ultimate Perfection (Heavenly Perfection):

Revelation 21:4 (NIV): "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This verse describes the state of ultimate perfection in the new heaven and new earth where all suffering and imperfections are gone.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (NIV): "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." This passage speaks of the transformation of believers into imperishable, perfected bodies at the resurrection.

It's important to note that these stages of perfection are specific to certain theological perspectives and may not be universally accepted by all Christians. Different Christian denominations and theologians may have varying interpretations and understandings of the process of salvation and perfection.

Pastor John U. Ordillo