Understanding the Ultimate Goal of Christian Perfection

The ultimate goal of every Christian is to attain to Christian perfection, which consists of the complete restoration of the divine image in the soul and a state of entire conformity to the will of GodARSH August 1, 1899, page 487.19+2. This high calling is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical reality to be realized through the grace of Christ, manifesting in a character that is holy, unblamable, and without spot or wrinkle14MR 351.3+2.

🏛️ The Definition and Standard of the Ultimate Goal

The standard of Christian perfection is nothing less than the perfection of God Himself, as revealed in His holy law Matthew 5:48CG 54.2+1. This law is the only true standard of moral perfection and a transcript of the divine character1SAT 14.2+2.

• Christ as the Model: Jesus Christ is the divine example of God's perfection, and it is the highest aim of the believer to imitate His life and spirit2SM 160.2+2. As He was perfect in His sphere, His followers are to be perfect in theirs, reaching the measure of the stature of His fullness Ephesians 4:13CG 54.2+1.

• The Nature of Perfection: Christian perfection means perfect love, perfect obedience, and an unreserved surrender to the AlmightyST May 28, 1902, par. 1. It is manifested in charity, which is the bond of perfectness and the fulfilling of the law Colossians 3:14MEDM October 10, 1906, page 123.9+1.

• Internal Purity: This goal relates to the internal state of the soul, requiring a heart cleansed from every idol and a conscience void of offense20MR 285.5+1. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, which brings the believer into a state where they are holy and unreprovable before the throneARSH August 1, 1899, page 487.19+1.

🛤️ The Process of Attaining the Goal

Attaining this ultimate goal is not the work of a moment but the result of a lifelong struggle and constant effort8T 312.5+1. It requires a fixed purpose and the exercise of every faculty of the mind in obedience to God's requirementsMM 168.5+1.

• The Role of the Word: No person can reach Christian perfection while neglecting the study of the Word of GodCSW 17.1+1. By beholding the character of Christ in the Scriptures, the believer is changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Corinthians 3:18CSW 17.1+1.

• Self-Denial and Physical Health: The body is the only medium through which the soul is developed; therefore, the preservation of health is essential to character buildingCME 46.1. It is impossible for those who give the reins to appetite or indulge in tobacco and gross passions to attain to Christian perfectionCTBH 46.3+2.

• The Discipline of Trial: God often uses the "hammer and chisel" of trial to cut away the sharp corners of character, squaring and polishing the soul for a place in His spiritual templeCG 168.2. These experiences are intended to restore the soul and elevate it to a breadth of perfection otherwise thought impossibleHDL 8.2+1.

🌍 Practical Implications and Worldly Distinction

The pursuit of the ultimate goal creates a distinct line of demarcation between the church and the world2MR 335.1+1. True Christians are to be living representatives of Christ, standing as witnesses to the power of His saving graceTSS 50.1+2.

• Service and Mission: Those imbued with the spirit of Christ will make it their highest aim to fulfill the commission of the Gospel, working for the salvation of souls in the wide harvest field2SM 160.2+1. This work is to be done with the same self-denial and sacrifice revealed in the life of the Redeemer7T 95.4+1.

• Opposition to Worldly Policy: The Christian must keep free from worldly policy plans and the desire for worldly recognition, which characterized the fall of JudasTEd 57.4+1. The ultimate aim is not earthly treasure but the "pearl of great price" and the "gold tried in the fire"7LtMs, Ms 26, 1891, par. 49+1.

• Education for Eternity: The main burden of education should be the moral training and character building of the youth, fitting them for a higher sphere of usefulness in the cause of GodCG 169.3+2. Heart education is of far more importance than mere book learning, as it involves interests that are eternalCG 497.3+1.

🌅 The Final Consummation and Reward

The ultimate goal finds its completion at the second coming of Jesus Christ and the restitution of all thingsRH April 12, 1870, par. 5+1. Those who have reached the standard of Christian perfection will be prepared to meet their Lord without shame8T 317.5+1.

• A Glorious Church: Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary is to finish the mystery of God and present to Himself a glorious church, holy and without blemish Ephesians 5:27CWCP 128.4+1. This perfection is the end to which the Holy Spirit and all spiritual gifts are directedTDOC 253.4+1.

• The Reward of the Faithful: The good that results from striving after this perfection is one that eternity alone can measure, delivering the soul from vanity and misery and raising it to the enjoyments of an immortal lifeARSH June 18, 1857, page 49.7+1.

• The Final Reflection: When the character of Christ is perfectly reflected in His people, then He will come to claim them as His ownCWCP 123.3. The path of the righteous will then reach its full noontide in the perfect day of God's presence Proverbs 4:188T 317.5.