Topical Bible: Measures: (The Measure of the Stature of Christ) Perfection

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian theological framework, the concept of "The Measure of the Stature of Christ" is a profound and aspirational standard for believers. It is derived from Ephesians 4:13, which states, "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage encapsulates the goal of spiritual maturity and perfection that Christians are called to pursue.

Biblical Context and Interpretation

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ. The "measure of the stature of Christ" serves as the ultimate benchmark for this growth. It signifies the fullness and completeness of Christ's character, which believers are encouraged to emulate. This measure is not merely about individual piety but involves the collective maturity of the church as a whole.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the measure of Christ's stature represents the ideal of Christian perfection. It is the process of sanctification, where believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is both an individual and communal journey, as the church works together to reflect the character and love of Christ in the world.

The concept of perfection in this context does not imply flawlessness in human terms but rather a completeness and maturity in faith and love. It is about reaching the full potential of what it means to be in Christ, characterized by virtues such as humility, patience, and love, as outlined in Ephesians 4:2-3: "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Practical Application

For believers, striving toward the measure of the stature of Christ involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in the life of the church. It requires a willingness to be shaped by the Holy Spirit and to grow in understanding and application of biblical truths.

Moreover, this pursuit calls for an active engagement in the mission of the church, serving others, and witnessing to the transformative power of the Gospel. It is a lifelong journey that involves both personal devotion and communal responsibility.

Conclusion

The measure of the stature of Christ is a call to perfection that encompasses both individual and collective dimensions of the Christian faith. It is an invitation to grow into the fullness of Christ, reflecting His love and character in every aspect of life. As believers strive toward this ideal, they contribute to the unity and maturity of the church, fulfilling its mission in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:13
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... they will be qualified to deal out to you larger measures of knowledge ... degree of
grace unto another, till you arrive unto the measure of the stature of the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... But behold how Christ pleads, saying, Let not that be for my sake, for the merit
of my blood, for the perfection of my righteousness, for the prevalency of my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. . ...
... real and intrinsic qualifications, but by the stature of other ... But pride measures
by the worst, that it may hide ... method and order, the lowest to measure by him ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter v humility is the.htm

South -- the Image of God in Man
... Wherefore it is not always rational to measure the truth ... his understanding grew up
to the stature of his ... to him the just proportions and measures of behavior ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/south the image of.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... its order is due to the respective measures of its ... in of Christ, that though small
in bodily stature you may ... while rejoicing and lifted up above measure by the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... David's to terms of spiritual edification has been difficult above measure, ever
since ... sometimes as a prophet in Isaiah's day, last and most fondly as Christ. ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... but in a little time more large measures of the ... and strength; she followed others
than Christ, wherefore he ... saith the angel] leave out, and measure it not, for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Chapter vi
... issue (wicked bandits) to a physical one (tall stature). ... and crass that the extremest
measures alone can ... only when grace has been offered in richest measure. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes"the foundation upon which
all our desires after God and holiness are built"and the root by which ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Colossians iii. 17
... to leaven hidden in the three measures of meal ... you by taking thought can add to his
stature one cubit ... it will image, after our imperfect measure, the holiness ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxix colossians iii 17.htm