Character Perfection

To have your character perfected means to reach a state of complete conformity to the will of God through the indwelling of Jesus Christ, resulting in a life of perfect faith and obedience17MR 85.2+1. This is not a work achieved through human merit or strength, but is the result of surrendering the heart to Christ so that His nature is implanted within usCOL 384.1+1.

The Nature of Character Perfection

Perfection of character is the development of a symmetrical and holy life that reflects the image of Christ in every word and deedCOL 384.1+1. It involves:

• Reflecting Christ’s Image: The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness, where the heart is so united with His that the believer lives His lifeCOL 311.4+1.

• Obedience to the Law: A perfect character is formed by a sincere and complete obedience to every requirement of God's holy lawMM 168.5+1.

• Balance of Faculties: It requires the higher moral powers, such as love and conscientiousness, to govern the physical appetites and lower passionsARSH January 1, 1861, page 53.21.

• Internal Purity: It is not merely an outward appearance but "truth in the inward parts," where even thoughts are brought into captivity to Christ Psalm 40:8COL 311.4+1.

How Character is Perfected

This transformation is a collaborative process between the human agent and the Divine3SM 146.5.

• Through Divine Power: We cannot perfect ourselves by our own exertions; rather, it is God who works in us to will and to do His good pleasure Philippians 2:13MMM 404.31.

• By Beholding Christ: By looking to Jesus and studying His life, we are changed from "glory to glory" into His same image 2 Corinthians 3:181888 695.7+1.

• Through Trials and Tests: Character is perfected through the exercise of the mind's faculties during times of supreme test and sufferingMM 168.5+1.

• Self-Denial and Discipline: It requires subduing the natural traits of character and overcoming the controlling power of appetiteTe 16.4+1.

The Importance of Perfection

Attaining a perfect character is essential because only those with blameless and pure characters will be permitted to enter heavenCSW 112.3+2.

• The Seal of God: When God's servants reach the perfection of His character, they will be sealed in their foreheads and declared complete in Him3SM 427.2.

• The Robe of Righteousness: We are to exchange our "filthy rags" of self-righteousness for the robe of Christ’s perfect obedience Isaiah 64:618MR 164.3+1.

• Preparation for the Judgment: The character must be perfected during the hours of probation, as there will be no change of character when Christ returns3SP 40.2+1.

Ultimately, while we are to strive with all our God-given powers, we must rely entirely on the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanseth us from all sin 1 John 1:712MR 194.1. Jesus has made it possible for every soul to have a perfect character through His own victory and merits17MR 85.2+1.