Christian Perfection

Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness

...rise to no seditions; love does all things in harmony. By love, all the elect of God have been made perfect; without love, nothing is well-pleasing to God. In love, the Lord has taken us to Himself. Out of the Love He bore us, Jesus Christ our Lord gave His blood for us by the will of God; His flesh for our flesh, and His soul for our souls.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

...e daimon, and that the ruling faculty of the soul is called the daimon. He calls happiness the most perfect and complete good. Sometimes he calls it a consistent and harmonious life. Sometimes he calls it the highest perfection in accordance with virtue. And he places this in the knowledge of the Good and in likeness to God, showing that likeness is justice and holiness with wisdom. For is it not in this way that some of our writers have understood that man, immediately on his creation, received what is according to the image, but that what is according to the likeness he will receive afterward, at his perfection? Now Plato, teaching that the virtuous man will have this likeness together with humility, explains the following saying: "He that humbles himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:11 Accordingly, he says in The Laws: "God indeed, as the ancient saying has it, occupying the beginning, the middle, and the end of all things, goes straight through while He goes round the circumference. And He is always attended by Justice, the avenger of those who revolt from the divine law." You see how he connects fear with the divine law. He adds, therefore: "To which he, who would be happy, c

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness

...dment of the law. Instead, He would have surely sought to bring down a greater commandment from the perfect Father, rather than using the one given by the God of the law. Similarly, Paul declares, "Love is the fulfillment of the law," and he states that when all other things are gone, "faith, hope, and love" will remain, and the greatest of these is love. He emphasizes that without the love of God, neither knowledge, the understanding of mysteries, faith, nor prophecy is beneficial, and without love, all are empty and meaningless. Moreover, love makes a person perfect, and he who loves God is perfect both in this world and in the one to come. We never cease to love God; rather, as we continue to reflect on Him, the more we love Him.

Clement of Alexandria, Fragments Supporting witness

For the perfection of a believing man is love.

Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness

but those who, through the grace of God, have been made perfect in love, now possess a place among the godly, and shall be made manifest at the revelation of the kingdom of Christ.

Philippians 3:12 Supporting witness

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

1 John 4:17 Supporting witness

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...ad conduct; and if further, after making an especially right confession, he becomes a martyr out of love, gaining great honor among men; even then he will not be called perfect beforehand while in the flesh. For this title belongs at the end of life, when the gnostic martyr has first shown the perfect work and rightly displayed it, and after thankfully shedding his blood, has given up his spirit. Then he will be blessed, and truly proclaimed perfect, so that, as the apostle says, "the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." Only let us preserve free will and love: "troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. For those who strive after perfection, according to the same apostle, must give no offense in anything, but in everything show themselves approved, not to men, but to God. And as a result, they also ought to yield to men, for this is reasonable because of abusive slanders. Here is the detailed description: "in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings,

Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Direct teaching

For in that first Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul speaks in the following terms of the perfection that is to come: Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;

Methodius, From the Discourse on the Resurrection Supporting witness

...things are, even after believing, and even after the time when we have been touched by the water of sanctification, we are often found in sin. For no one can claim to be so free from sin as not even to have an evil thought. So it has happened that sin is now restrained and put to sleep by faith, so that it does not produce harmful fruit, yet it is not torn up by the roots. For now we hold back its shoots, such as evil thoughts, testing lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble us, as Hebrews 12:15 says, and not allowing its leaves to unfold and open into shoots, while the Word, like an axe, cuts at its roots growing below. But afterward even the very thought of evil will disappear.

Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Supporting witness

...why is it that Paul himself said, "We know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away"? Whom else was he looking for when he said these words? For if he declares that he is looking for some perfect one, and if someone must indeed come, show us who it is he is speaking about, lest his word perhaps seem to lead us back to this man, Manes, or to the one who sent him, that is, Satan, according to your claim. But if you admit that what is perfect is still to come, then that shuts out Satan. And if you look for the coming of Satan, then that shuts out the perfect.

Ignatius of Antioch, Connection to Philippians 3:12 Direct teaching

I am not yet perfect in Jesus Christ. For now I begin to be a disciple.

1 Corinthians 13:10 Supporting witness

But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

1 John 4:18 Supporting witness

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

...in overflowing streams through many paths of glory. Nothing in our actions can help bring praise to perfection unless it receives the substance of its perfection from patience. It is patience that both commends us to God and keeps us for God. It is patience also that calms anger, restrains the tongue, governs the mind, guards peace, rules discipline, breaks the force of lust, holds back the violence of pride, puts out the fire of enmity, checks the power of the rich, comforts the need of the poor, protects blessed integrity in virgins, careful purity in widows, and single affection in those who are joined and married. It makes people humble in prosperity, brave in adversity, and gentle when faced with wrongs and contempt. It teaches us to forgive quickly those who wrong us; and if you yourself do wrong, to ask for pardon long and earnestly. It stands against temptations, endures persecutions, and brings passions and martyrdoms to perfection. It is patience that strongly strengthens the foundations of our faith. It is this that lifts high the growth of our hope. It is this that directs what we do, so that we may hold fast the way of Christ while we walk by His patience. It is thi

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

Listen to me, my sons. I raised you with great simplicity, innocence, and purity because of the Lord's mercy. He has poured His righteousness down on you so that you may be justified and made holy from all your sin and corruption. But you do not want to stop your wrongdoing. Now, therefore, listen to me. Be at peace with one another. Care for one another. Bear each other's burdens. And do not enjoy God's gifts by yourselves alone, but share them generously with those in need. For some, because they have so much food, bring weakness on their flesh and so ruin their flesh. But the flesh of others, who have no food, is ruined because they do not have enough nourishment. Because of this, their bodies waste away. This lack of self-control in eating is harmful to you who have plenty and do not share with those who are in need. Pay attention to the judgment that is coming. Therefore, you who hold high positions, look for the hungry while the tower is not yet finished. For after the tower is finished, you will want to do good, but you will find no opportunity. So pay attention, you who take pride in your wealth, lest those who are in need groan, and their groaning rise to the Lord, and you

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

...crime; in it is every offense. For even if the body is stained with no defilement, the principle of purity still does not remain if the mind is impure. Nor can chastity seem untouched where desire has stained the conscience. And no one should think that it is difficult to put reins on pleasure, and to shut it in, wandering and straying as it is, within the bounds of chastity and purity, since it is possible for people even to conquer it. Very many have kept the blessed and uncorrupted purity of the body, and many there are who enjoy this heavenly kind of life most happily. God did not command this in a harsh way, as though He were binding men, since human beings must be begotten, but rather as allowing it. For He knows how great a necessity He has laid on these feelings. He says, "If anyone can do this, he will have an excellent and incomparable reward." This kind of self-restraint is like the highest peak and the completion of all virtues. If anyone can strive and struggle toward it, the master will recognize him as a servant, and the teacher will recognize him as a disciple. He will triumph over the earth. He will be like God, because he has received the virtue of God. These t

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Supporting witness

...ow of Your wings, and count us worthy until our last breath to take part in Your holy rites for the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven. For You, O God, are our sanctification, and we send up praise and thanksgiving to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Supporting witness

O Lord, You have given us sanctification through sharing in the all-holy body and precious blood of Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Give us also the grace of Your good Spirit, and keep us blameless in the faith. Lead us to perfect adoption and redemption, and to the coming joys of eternity. For You are our sanctification and light, O God, and so are Your only begotten Son and Your all-holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. Mark Supporting witness

O Lord, You have given us sanctification by letting us partake of the all-holy body and precious blood of Your only begotten Son. Give us the grace and gift of the All-holy Spirit. Enable us to live blameless lives, and guide us to perfect redemption, adoption, and the everlasting joys of the world to come. For You are our sanctification, and we give glory to You, the Father, and the Son, and the All-holy Spirit, now, from now on, and forevermore.

Tertullian, On Modesty Supporting witness

For this is the virtue of the Lord's blood, that such as it has already purified from sin, and thenceforward has set in the light, it renders thenceforward pure, if they shall continue to persevere walking in the light.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

and sanctify our body and soul, and grant us the favour to be made pure from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, 2 Corinthians 7:1 and may obtain the good things laid up for us, and do not account any of us unworthy;

1 John 3:3 Supporting witness

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

2 Peter 3:14 Supporting witness

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Leviticus 21:8 Supporting witness

You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the LORD, who sanctify you, am holy.

Leviticus 20:8 Supporting witness

And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Direct teaching

...ect that He is the righteousness of God. And those who have earned advancement to this stage by the sanctification of the Holy Spirit will nevertheless receive the gift of wisdom according to the power and working of the Spirit of God. And this, I think, is Paul's meaning when he says that to some is given the word of wisdom, and to others the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit. And while pointing out the individual distinction of gifts, he refers them all to the source of all things in the words, "There are diversities of operations, but one God who works all in all." From this also, the working of the Father, which gives existence to all things, is found to be more glorious and magnificent, while each one, by participation in Christ as wisdom, knowledge, and sanctification, makes progress and advances to higher degrees of perfection. And since it is by partaking of the Holy Spirit that anyone is made purer and holier, he receives, when he is made worthy, the grace of wisdom and knowledge, so that, after all stains of pollution and ignorance are cleansed and taken away, he may make so great an advance in holiness and purity that the nature he received from God may

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

Philippians 3:12-14 And yet he reckons himself perfect, because he has been emancipated from his former life, and strives after the better life, not as perfect in knowledge, but as aspiring after perfection.

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

Wherefore also he adds, As many of us as are perfect, are thus minded, Philippians 3:15 manifestly describing perfection as the renunciation of sin, and regeneration into the faith of the only perfect One, and forgetting our former sins.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

...baptism may continue in what we have begun to be. And we pray for this every day, for we need daily sanctification, so that we who fall away daily may wash away our sins by continual sanctification. And the apostle declares what this sanctification is that is given to us by God's condescension, when he says, “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor those who abuse themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor deceivers, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such indeed were you; but you are washed; but you are justified; but you are sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9. He says that we are sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. We pray that this sanctification may remain in us. And because our Lord and Judge warns the man who was healed and given life by Him to sin no more, lest something worse happen to him, we make this request in our constant prayers. We ask this day and night, that the sanctification and life-giving power received from the grace of God may be kept safe by His protection.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

...r: when the Lord in His Gospel was giving commands for salvation, and teaching His disciples toward perfection by setting forth divine warnings, He declared and said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who makes His sun rise on the good and on the evil, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 He said that in this way the children of God would become perfect. He showed that in this way they were made complete, and taught that they are restored by a heavenly birth, if the patience of God our Father dwells in us—if the divine likeness, which Adam lost by sin, is shown and shines in our actions. What glory it is to become like God! What great and wonderful blessedness it is to have among our vi

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

...s is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Here perfect righteousness is clearly described. It is fulfilled both in action and in contemplation. Therefore we must bless those who persecute us. "Bless, and do not curse." Romans 12:14. For this is our rejoicing: the testimony of a good conscience. In holiness and sincerity we know God, and by this small example we show the work of love. It is not by fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, that we have lived in the world. 2 Corinthians 1:12. So far, this is what the apostle says about knowledge. And in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians he calls the common teaching of faith "the savor of knowledge." For to this day the same veil remains on many in the reading of the Old Testament, 2 Corinthians 3:14, not being removed except by turning to the Lord. Therefore also, to those able to understand, he showed resurrection, namely, that of life still in the flesh, creeping on its belly. From this too he used the name "brood of vipers" for those given to pleasure, who serve the belly and the private parts, and cut off one another's heads for the sake of worldly pleasures. "Little child

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

... or believe this: that the mere invocation of names is enough for the remission of sins and for the sanctification of baptism? For these things are beneficial only when both the one who baptizes has the Holy Spirit, and the baptism itself also is not appointed without the Spirit. But, they say, a person who is baptized outside in any way at all may obtain the grace of baptism by his own attitude and faith. This is clearly ridiculous in itself, as if either a wicked attitude could draw down from heaven the sanctification of the righteous, or a false faith could draw to itself the truth of believers. But the Lord Himself shows that not all who call on the name of Christ are heard, and that their calling on Him cannot obtain any grace, when He says, "Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ,' and will deceive many." Mark 13:6 For there is no difference between a false prophet and a heretic. For just as the former deceives in the name of God or of Christ, so the latter deceives in the sacrament of baptism. Both work by falsehood to deceive the wills of men.

Origen, Commentary on John Supporting witness

After carefully examining what is relative to us and what is absolute—since sanctification and redemption are relative to us and not absolute, while wisdom and redemption are both relative to us and absolute—we must not fail to ask about the place of righteousness in the same passage. That Christ is righteousness in relation to us is clear from the words, “Who was made to us from God wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” And if we do not find that He is righteousness absolutely, as He is absolutely the wisdom and the power of God, then we must ask whether, for Christ Himself, just as the Father is sanctification, so the Father is also righteousness. We know that there is no unrighteousness with God; John 7:18. He is a righteous and holy Lord, Revelation 16:5, 7, and His judgments are in righteousness, and since He is righteous, He orders all things righteously.

Hippolytus, Connection to Philippians 3:15 Supporting witness

For, by progressing in virtue, and attaining to better things, reaching forth to those things which are before, Philippians 3:15 according to the word of the blessed Paul, we rise ever to the higher beauty.

Hebrews 6:1 Direct teaching

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

James 1:4 Supporting witness

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Hebrews 13:21 Supporting witness

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.