Perfection Pending
Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
If I were to ask which of the Lord’s commandments is most difficult to keep, many of us might cite Matt. 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
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Keepingthis commandment can be a concern because each of us is far fromperfect, both spiritually and temporally. Reminders come repeatedly. Wemay lock keys inside the car, or even forget where the car is parked.And not infrequently we walk intently from one part of the house toanother, only to forget the reason for the errand.
Whencomparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of theLord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times bedepressing. My heart goes out to conscientious Saints who, because oftheir shortcomings, allow feelings of depression to rob them ofhappiness in life.
We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips! 2 We also need to remember that the Lord gives no commandments that areimpossible to obey. But sometimes we fail to comprehend them fully.
Ourunderstanding of perfection might be aided if we classify it into twocategories. The first could pertain uniquely to this life—mortal perfection. The second category could pertain uniquely to the next life—immortal or eternal perfection.
Mortal Perfection
Inthis life, certain actions can be perfected. A baseball pitcher canthrow a no-hit, no-run ball game. A surgeon can perform an operationwithout an error. A musician can render a selection without a mistake.One can likewise achieve perfection in being punctual, paying tithing,keeping the Word of Wisdom, and so on. The enormous effort required toattain such self-mastery is rewarded with a deep sense of satisfaction.More importantly, spiritual attainments in mortality accompany us intoeternity. 3
Jamesgave a practical standard by which mortal perfection could be measured.He said, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.” 4
Scriptures have described Noah, Seth, and Job as perfect men. 5 No doubt the same term might apply to a large number of faithfuldisciples in various dispensations. Alma said that “there were many,exceedingly great many,” 6 who were pure before the Lord.
Thisdoes not mean that these people never made mistakes or never had needof correction. The process of perfection includes challenges toovercome and steps to repentance that may be very painful. 7 There is a proper place for chastisement in the molding of character, for we know that “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” 8
Mortalperfection can be achieved as we try to perform every duty, keep everylaw, and strive to be as perfect in our sphere as our Heavenly Fatheris in his. If we do the best we can, the Lord will bless us accordingto our deeds and the desires of our hearts. 9
Eternal Perfection
ButJesus asked for more than mortal perfection. The moment he uttered thewords “even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” he raisedour sights beyond the bounds of mortality. Our Heavenly Father haseternal perfection. This very fact merits a much broader perspective.
Recently I studied the English and Greek editions of the New Testament, concentrating on each use of the term perfectand its derivatives. Studying both languages together provided someinteresting insights, since Greek was the original language of the NewTestament.
In Matt. 5:48, the term perfect was translated from the Greek teleios, which means “complete.” Teleios is an adjective derived from the noun telos, which means “end.” 10 The infinitive form of the verb is teleiono, which means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.” 11 Please note that the word does not imply “freedom from error”; itimplies “achieving a distant objective.” In fact, when writers of theGreek New Testament wished to describe perfection of behavior—precisionor excellence of human effort—they did not employ a form of teleios; instead, they chose different words. 12
Teleios is not a total stranger to us. From it comes the prefix tele- that we use every day. Telephone literally means “distant talk.” Television means “to see distantly.” Telephoto means “distant light,” and so on.
Withthat background in mind, let us consider another highly significantstatement made by the Lord. Just prior to his crucifixion, he said thaton “the third day I shall be perfected.” 13 Think of that! The sinless, errorless Lord—already perfect by ourmortal standards—proclaimed his own state of perfection yet to be inthe future. 14 His eternal perfection would follow his resurrection and receipt of “all power … in heaven and in earth.” 15
Theperfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorlessperformance. It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord inhis great intercessory prayer to his Father—that we might be madeperfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead. 16
The Lord’s entire work and glory pertains to the immortality and eternal life of each human being. 17 He came into the world to do the will of his Father, who sent him. 18 His sacred responsibility was foreseen before the creation 19 and was foretold by all his holy prophets since the world began. 20
The atonement of Christfulfilled the long-awaited purpose for which he had come to the earth.His concluding words upon Calvary’s cross referred to the culminationof his assignment—to atone for all humankind. Then he said, “It isfinished.” 21 Not surprisingly, the Greek word from which finished was derived is teleios.
That Jesus attained eternal perfection followinghis resurrection is confirmed in the Book of Mormon. It records thevisit of the resurrected Lord to the people of ancient America. Therehe repeated the important injunction previously cited but with one verysignificant addition. He said, “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” 22 This time he listed himself along with his Father as a perfected personage. Previously he had not. 23
Resurrection is requisite for eternal perfection. Thanks to the atonement of Jesus Christ,our bodies, corruptible in mortality, will become incorruptible. Ourphysical frames, now subject to disease, death, and decay, will acquireimmortal glory. 24 Presently sustained by the blood of life 25 and ever aging, our bodies will be sustained by spirit and become changeless and beyond the bounds of death. 26
Eternalperfection is reserved for those who overcome all things and inheritthe fulness of the Father in his heavenly mansions. Perfection consistsin gaining eternal life—the kind of life that God lives. 27
Ordinances and Covenants of the Temple
Scripturesidentify other important prerequisites to eternal perfection. Theyrelate to the ordinances and covenants of the temple. 28 No accountable individual can receive exaltation in the celestialkingdom without the ordinances of the temple. Endowments and sealingsare for our personal perfection and are secured through ourfaithfulness. 29
This requirement also pertains to our ancestors. Paul taught “that they without us should not be made perfect.” 30 Again, in that verse, the Greek term from which perfect was translated was a form of teleios. 31
Inlatter-day revelation, the Lord was even more explicit. His prophetwrote: “My dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you thatthese are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannotbe lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For theirsalvation is necessary and essential to our salvation. … They withoutus cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be madeperfect.” 32
Encouragement from the Savior’s Example
Ourclimb up the path to perfection is aided by encouragement from thescriptures. They hold the promise that we shall, if faithful in allthings, become like Deity. John the beloved Apostle wrote:
“We should be called the sons [and daughters] of God. …
“… When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 33
Continuing encouragement comes as we follow the example of Jesus, who taught, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 34 His hope for us is crystal clear! He declared: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” 35 Thus, our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus. 36
Peoplehave never failed to follow Jesus because his standards were impreciseor insufficiently high. Quite to the contrary. Some have disregardedhis teachings because they were viewed as being too precise orimpractically high! Yet such lofty standards, when earnestly pursued,produce great inner peace and incomparable joy.
Thereis no other individual to compare with Jesus Christ, nor is there anyother exhortation equal to his sublime expression of hope: “I wouldthat ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven isperfect.” 37
Thisdivine entreaty is consistent with the fact that, as begotten childrenof heavenly parents, we are endowed with the potential to become likethem, just as mortal children may become like their mortal parents.
TheLord restored his church to help us prepare for perfection. Paul saidthat the Savior placed in the Church Apostles, prophets, and teachers,“for the perfecting of the saints, … for the edifying of the body ofChrist:
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” 38
The perfect man described in Paul’s quotation is the completed person—teleios—the glorified soul!
Moronitaught how to gain this glorious objective. His instruction stands inany age as an antidote for depression and a prescription for joy. Iecho his plea: “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and denyyourselves of all ungodliness; … love God with all your might, mind andstrength … [Then] ye may be perfect in Christ, … holy, [and] withoutspot.” 39
Meanwhile,brothers and sisters, let us do the best we can and try to improve eachday. When our imperfections appear, we can keep trying to correct them.We can be more forgiving of flaws in ourselves and among those we love.We can be comforted and forbearing. The Lord taught, “Ye are not ableto abide the presence of God now … ; wherefore, continue in patienceuntil ye are perfected.” 40
Weneed not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seemso arduous and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full onlyafter the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all wholove him and keep his commandments. It includes thrones, kingdoms,principalities, powers, and dominions. 41 It is the end for which we are to endure. 42 It is the eternal perfection that God has in store for each of us. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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