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The concept of Perfection in Christianity

Perfection in Christianity signifies the culmination of spiritual and moral ideals, epitomized in the teachings of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophetic declarations. It represents a state of complete goodness and the anticipated flawlessness in creation's ultimate evolution. Gnosticism views perfection as an ideal state promised to Mary, while Early Christianity associates it with spiritual maturity, the pursuit of the divine, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Overall, perfection denotes an aspiration toward ultimate completeness in faith and virtue across various Christian traditions.1
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Synonyms: Excellence, Completeness, Optimality, Perfectionism, Refinement, Mastery, Precision, Faultlessness

In French: Perfection; In Dutch: Perfectie; In Finnish: °Õä²â»å±ð±ô±ô¾±²õ²â²â²õ; In Spanish: ±Ê±ð°ù´Ú±ð³¦³¦¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: Perfektion; In Swedish: Fullkomlighet; In Malay: Kesempurnaan

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Perfection'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This is a state that those who have known someone as a rod will not partake in, but the flower before the fruit, highlighting the differences in understanding and growth.[1] (2) For by looking to this of the genus, we come to those meanings that are strictly proper, according to the provided text.[2] (3) This and the partaking of the Spirit constitute the doctrine entrusted to us, and the Holy Spirit communes with those who have achieved this, as mentioned in the text.[3] (4) Perfection is something that the Aeons attain through seeking and finding the Father, but the text contrasts this with the Aeon's experience, suggesting that seeking the Father led to passion for the Aeon.[4] (5) Striving towards spiritual maturity and holiness as taught by apostolic doctrine, as opposed to revisiting former sinful ways.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The eventual state of completeness and flawlessness anticipated in the universe's evolution after creation.[6] (2) The state of being wholly good or complete, especially in terms of moral and spiritual development.[7] (3) The complete nature or quality of things, especially in the context of how these exist or are understood in relation to God.[8]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is what Paul regards the proclamation of Jesus as, and that to him the proclamation of Jesus was the perfection of what had been spoken by prophets and psalmists.[9]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) The book is admired for the sublime ideas which it contains of this of God, and for the excellent moral tendency of its precepts.[10]

Gnostic concept of 'Perfection'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) The perfection represents a state of flawlessness that Mary is promised to become, signifying her attainment of an ideal or ultimate state.[11]

Plural form: Perfections.