Concise Bible Dictionary:
The principal words in the New Testament thus translated are τελειόω, τέλειος, “full, complete, perfect.” The Lord Jesus was always morally perfect, yet scripture speaks of His being “made perfect,” for instance, as the captain of salvation: antitype of Joshua, leader into the purpose of God. All had been completed in view of that office (Heb. 2:1010For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)). Though a Son, yet He learned obedience (not “to be obedient”) by the things which He suffered; and being made “perfect” (that is, glorified) after He had finished the work of redemption, He became the author of eternal salvation to all that obey Him (Heb. 5:99And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9)): this may be the meaning of the words “the third day I shall be perfected” (Luke 13:3232And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. (Luke 13:32)).
The disciples were exhorted to be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect, for He sends His blessings on the evil and the good (Matt. 5:4848Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)). By one offering Christ hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. His work consecrates them for the priesthood (Heb. 10:1414For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14); compare Col. 1:1212Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Colossians 1:12)). Being “perfect” is also applied to being a “full grown” man (Eph. 4:1313Till 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: (Ephesians 4:13)). The same word is translated “of full age” in Hebrews 5:1414But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14); and simply “men” (of a ripe age) in 1 Corinthians 14:2020Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Corinthians 14:20). The spirits of just men are made perfect (Heb. 12:2323To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)). Paul was not yet perfected (Phil. 3:1212Not 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. (Philippians 3:12)); yet in Philippians 3:1515Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:15) he adds “as many as be perfect be thus minded.” There are various applications of the term which can be gathered from the context of each occurrence, but in general it may be said to have reference either to the purging of conscience, which is indispensable to the service of God, or to intelligence of a true standard (dead and risen with Christ) as a necessity to testimony for Christ here.
From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:
The word “perfect” signifies what is fully developed and complete. It is applied to Christians in three ways:
• As to our present standing before God.
• As to our practical state.
• As to our final condition.
1) Perfect In Standing
The moment a person believes the gospel of his salvation he is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)) and has a standing before God “in Christ” that is perfect. It will not be more perfect by his entrance into heaven. He is as “accepted” before God as Christ is, for he is in Christ’s place before God (Eph. 1:66To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)). This has been made possible by the one offering of Christ. Scripture says, “For by one offering He hath perfected forever [in perpetuity] them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:1414For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)). This perfection involves the conscience being “purged” whereby the believer knows that His sins have been dealt with righteously and are gone (Heb. 9:1414How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)). It is something that the offerings in Judaism could not do (Heb. 9:9; 10:19Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (Hebrews 9:9)
1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Hebrews 10:1)), but those offerings did point forward to the one offering of Christ that has settled the question of sin before God forever (Heb. 10:1-181For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (Hebrews 10:1‑18)). Knowing this makes the believer a worshipper in the immediate presence of God (Heb. 10:19-2219Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19‑22)).
2) Perfect In State
Scripture also speaks of the believer being made “perfect” as to his practical state. Perfection in this sense has to do with Christian maturity—i.e. a believer reaching full growth. The great burden of the Apostle Paul in ministry was to present the saints “perfect in Christ Jesus.” He laboured earnestly in “teaching” and in prayer to that end (Col. 1:28-2:128Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 1For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (Colossians 1:28‑2:1); 1 Thess. 3:1010Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:10); 2 Cor. 13:9, 119For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. (2 Corinthians 13:9)
11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)). Epaphras is also mentioned as praying for the saints that they would stand “perfect” in this way (Col. 4:1212Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)).
In Philippians 3, we see Paul’s life focused on “one thing”—Christ and His interests. He pressed toward “the goal for the prize of the calling on high.” (The “goal” in the path of faith is reaching Christ on high; the “prize” at the end of the path is to be with Him and to be like Him in glory.) All Paul’s energies were channelled into that one all-absorbing pursuit. Christ had captured his heart, and all he wanted was more of Him. Hence, all other interests, ambitions, and pursuits in life were considered extraneous and were laid aside (Phil. 3:4-84Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:4‑8)). He said that as many who were “thus minded” were “perfect.” Thus, a fully mature Christian, as far as his focus is concerned, is one who pursues one thing in his life—Christ in glory and His interests on earth.
Perfecting the focus of our hearts is one of the first things that God works toward after we become Christians. It has a lot to do with our priorities. Before a person is saved, he is usually engrossed in some aspect of the world and in the pursuit of certain earthly goals. But when he turns to Christ, and he lets go of the ambitions and earthly goals that once captured his attention, he has reached Christian perfection in this sense. A by-product of having our hearts focused on “this one thing” is that we become devoted Christians. Zeal and energy in the things of God are what will characterize our lives. With Paul, this was an immediate thing in his life (Acts 9). However, with most believers, it is a process, and sad to say, many never reach this kind of Christian maturity. Paul well understood that spiritual development is a progressive thing, and stated that those who were “otherwise minded” (those not as focused as he was), God would reveal to them that his pursuit of Christ was the only real pursuit worth having in life (Phil. 3:1515Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:15)). Paul was confident that as they progressed in their Christian life and grew in grace, that they would have fewer extraneous interests, and Christ would become their sole object.
Perfecting Our Understanding of the Divine Revelation
Paul said to the Corinthians, “In understanding be men [perfect]” (1 Cor. 14:2020Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Corinthians 14:20)). Perfection, is this sense, has to do with our understanding of the revelation of Christian truth. This shows that God not only wants us to be devoted Christians, but He wants us to be intelligent Christians as well. To this end, He has brought us into the favoured place of “sonship” (Eph. 1:55Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:5)) and has “abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence [intelligence]; having made known unto us the mystery of His will” (Eph. 1:8-98Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:8‑9)). This has been disclosed to us in the New Testament Scriptures—particularly in Ephesians and Colossians. If we absorb the truth through diligent study (1 Tim. 4:66If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6); 2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)), we will gain a working knowledge of the truth, and thus will become “full-grown [perfect]” in this sense (Heb. 5:1414But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)). As such, we will be men of God who can be used of God in the work of the Lord (2 Tim. 3:16-1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17)). We will be able to rise to the defense of the faith and intelligently “give an answer to every man” that asks us of the “reason of the hope” that we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:1515But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15); Jude 33Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3)).
The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews exhorted the saints to “go on unto perfection” in this sense (Heb. 6:11Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Hebrews 6:1)). To do this, he told them that they mustn’t go back to the Old Testament Jewish position from which they had come, but “go on” from the kingdom principles which the Lord taught in the synoptic Gospels—which he calls “the word of the beginning of the Christ”—to “full growth” in Christianity, which is the truth presented in the epistles. These Hebrew believers were, so to speak, on a bridge that stretched from Judaism to Christianity. He exhorted them not go back off the bridge to the Old Testament ground (the legal system of Judaism) from which they had come, but not to stay on the bridge embracing only the truth that had come out in the Lord’s ministry (John 14:2525These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. (John 14:25) – “these things”). He wanted them to go on to full Christianity, which he calls “perfection.” This is the truth found in the epistles (John 14:2626But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26) – “all things”). If they stayed where they were, on the bridge, so to speak, somewhere between Judaism and Christianity, it would hinder their spiritual growth and they would remain babes (Heb. 5:11-1311Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:11‑13)).
The need for this work of “perfecting of the saints” in this sense is great, because until they are established in the truth, they will be in danger of being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:12-1412For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till 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: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:12‑14)). In fact, it is the very reason that Christ gave edificational “gifts” to the Church—pastors, teachers, prophets, etc. (Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)). If we avail ourselves of their ministry, we will “go on to perfection” in our understanding of the Christian revelation. We may not be gifted in teaching, we can still help others to understand “the way of God more perfectly.” This is what Aquila and Priscilla did for Apollos (Acts 18:24-2824And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:24‑28)).
God wants us to not only be devoted and intelligent, but also holy (in practice). Thus, perfection is also used in Scripture in connection with the believer’s walk in holiness. In 2 Corinthians 6:1414Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)–7:1, the Apostle Paul indicated that perfecting holiness in our lives has two parts: there is the outward side involving separation from external things and persons of the world (2 Cor. 6:14-1814Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑18)), and, then there is the inward side of getting rid of unclean habits and ways through judging of ourselves in the presence of the Lord (2 Cor. 7:11Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)). Having the outward without the inward is hypocrisy (Psa. 51:66Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6)).
The Old Testament priests’ clothing, which was made of linen, illustrates (typically) the proper balance of the two (Ex. 28:39-4339And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework. 40And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty. 41And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. 42And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: 43And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him. (Exodus 28:39‑43)). “Linen” speaks of practical righteousness and purity. The priests wore “linen coats” (outer clothing), which speak of outward purity before the eyes of men, but they wore “linen breeches” under their coats that nobody saw but God. It speaks of inward purity Perfecting holiness in our walk and ways makes us sanctified Christians.
An integral part of reaching Christian maturity has to do with the love of God being perfected in us, so that we love as God loves. This is seen to perfection in the life of the Lord Jesus. He perfectly demonstrated the love of God. Those who have the love of God perfected in them will love as Christ loved. It will be manifested in many practical ways. It will be seen in simple obedience to the Word of God: “Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected” (1 John 2:55But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:5)). It will be seen in our love for one another: “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:1212No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12)). It will be seen in our willingness to walk together in unity: “That they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:21-2321That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:21‑23)). It will be seen in the controlling of our tongue: “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man” (James 3:22For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)). It will be seen in our benevolence toward the poor and needy: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor” (Matt. 19:2121Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Matthew 19:21); 1 John 3:1717But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17)). Oftentimes, God will use trials to develop these things in us (James 1:44But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)).
Perfecting Our Works of Service
Our service for the Lord is wide and varied, but we all have something to do for Him, for there are no drones in God’s beehive. As we walk with the Lord and grow, our service for Him should develop proportionately. The more we mature in the things of God, the more our effectiveness in the service of the Lord will increase—bringing forth “some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred” (Mark 4:2020And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (Mark 4:20)). The writer of Hebrews prayed for the saints to this end (Heb. 13:20-2120Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21Make 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. (Hebrews 13:20‑21)).
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A Scriptural profile of a full-grown (perfect) Christian is as follows:
• He has left Judaism and all its principles (Heb. 6:1-41Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (Hebrews 6:1‑4)).
3) Perfect In Final Condition
The perfecting of the believer’s conscience is the beginning of God’s work of perfecting the saints. The completion of the work has to do with the glorifying of the saints’ bodies (Rom. 8:17, 3017And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:30); Phil. 3:1212Not 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. (Philippians 3:12); Heb. 11:40; 12:2340God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40)
23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)). This would include the eradication of the fallen sin-nature—the flesh (1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)). The Lord experienced being made “perfect” in His body when He rose from the dead (Luke 13:3232And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. (Luke 13:32); Heb. 5:99And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9)). However, He didn’t need eradication of the fallen sin-nature because He didn’t have a fallen nature.
In Hebrews 11, the writer mentions many Old Testament saints who have long passed off the scene and are now with the Lord. He concludes by saying, “They (the Old Testament saints) without us (the New Testament saints) should not be made perfect.” Thus, the Lord’s work of perfecting the saints from every previous age (as well as Christians) in this final way will happen at the same time. This, we know, will be at the Lord’s coming—the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)). At that moment, the “corruptible” will put on “incorruption.” This refers to the saints who have fallen asleep; they will be raised in a glorified state. Also, at that same moment, the “mortal” will put on “immortality.” This refers to the living saints being changed into a glorified state (1 Cor. 15:51-5751Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑57)).