His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the word perfection in the Holy Bible has more than one aspect and must be distinguished according to the occasion and the text. There is a fundamental distinction between perfection attributed to God and perfection attributed to humans.

1. Absolute Perfection of God

Absolute perfection is for God alone: His attributes without deficiency or limit, and He is perfect by His nature. The verse saying “your Father in heaven is perfect” refers to this divine perfection that is not measured by a creature’s ability.

2. Relative Perfection for Humans

The phrase “be perfect” in Matthew 5:48 indicates a relative perfection fitting for the human being and by the grace of divine help. Relative perfection is what a person can perform according to his strength and the enabling grace: what he is able to do and is called to strive for.

3. Examples of Relative Perfection in Scripture

The Scripture describes Noah as “a righteous man, perfect in his generations,” and in the Book of Job he is called “perfect and upright.” Abraham also is said to be acceptable before God. These are examples of relative perfection evaluated according to the person’s life and piety.

4. Perfection of Work (Completion)

The term perfection is also used for the completion of work: Christ on the cross says “It is finished” meaning the completion of the work given to Him by the Father. And in John 17:4 Christ mentions that He completed the work entrusted to Him.

5. The Conjunction of Faith and Works in Perfection

James presents the example that faith is fulfilled by works; works complete faith and prove it. In this sense works contribute to the spiritual maturity (perfection) of the person.

Spiritual Conclusion

Distinguishing between absolute perfection and human perfection helps the believer to be humble: to strive for perfection according to God’s grace and his capability, and to consider perfection an ongoing work that includes faith, works, and the cooperation of divine grace.

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