When the word “perfect” is used in the Bible, we need to be cautious about how we interpret it. The concept of perfect most commonly implies something without fault or defect, thus flawless. However, the primary use of “perfect” in Scripture indicates something brought to its intended end; hence, perfect in the sense of complete or finished.
In ç, Paul writes concerning the manner in which we conduct our lives and the use of the renewed mind we have in Christ to prove what is the good, acceptable, and complete will of God. Because God’s will is complete, it does not change for the Christian. Since we possess a renewed mind that can understand spiritual things, we can approve each situation we face so that we know what God’s will is for us (Hebrews 5:14).
Since “perfect” relates to a state of completion, as we grow spiritually, we come to maturity and can understand the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:6–7). This wisdom is not known by the rulers of this age because it reveals a mystery of God (1 Corinthians 2:8). That mystery is knowing what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9–10).
When referring to things, teleios carries the meaning of “brought to an intended end.” In 1 Corinthians 13:10, Paul writes of a “perfect” thing that is to come. In the context of the letter, “perfect” directly relates to the testimony of God (1 Corinthians 2:1). When the incorrect concept of flawless is applied to 1 Corinthians 13:10, its meaning is skewed, and many commentators and teachers use this misunderstanding to imply the perfect state of the Christ. However, the concept of “perfect” is never used in Scripture concerning the resurrection of the Church. Paul is not talking about saints in the context; he is commenting on Spiritual gifts, which will be rendered ineffective or cause themselves to cease because their purpose is completed when the full revelation of God is given (1 Corinthians 13:8–9).
Since those of the Church have all things pertaining to life and godliness in Christ, we are to be inarticulate babblers when it comes to doing wrong, but mature in our frame of mind (1 Corinthians 14:20). This is especially important when it comes to Spiritual gifts. We are not to be ignorant about Spiritual gifts. The false teaching of speaking in tongues plagues the Church today because of a lack of understanding among the saints about Spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues is a gift that we were given as a sign to the unbelieving Jews (1 Corinthians 14:22). Therefore, it has no place among the saints today because God is no longer dealing with Israel as a nation. Today the Church is the people of God until He finishes His work and takes the Church from the earth to reside with Christ into the ages of the ages. Then God will again deal with Israel as a nation and bring to completion the promises He gave Abraham.
Those who are mature have a proper frame of mind relating to the truth and life (Philippians 3:15). A mature man knows how to control his tongue (James 3:2). Christ gave the Church pastors even teachers to bring us to maturity, so that we are no longer tossed around by every wind of teaching by the trickery of men. Our maturity then relates to the level at which we manifest who we are in Christ in our everyday conduct (Ephesians 4:13). One who is mature conducts his life according to the mature law of liberty, which is grace, not the Mosaic law (James 1:25). Therefore, at the level of maturity we are at, let us step by that rule (Philippians 3:16).
