The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians contains rich theological truths about the nature of the Church and God’s purpose for His people. One of the most profound verses in this epistle, Ephesians 4:13, provides a glimpse into the ultimate goal of Christian maturity and unity:
“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.”
At first glance, this verse paints a picture of the Church’s ultimate destiny, a unified body of believers, perfected in Christ. However, the fulfillment of this verse goes beyond the present age and points to the eternal future in heaven. Let’s explore its implications.
Unity of the Faith
Paul emphasizes “the unity of the faith” as a collective goal. While believers are called to strive for unity now (Ephesians 4:3), complete harmony in doctrine, understanding, and practice remains elusive in this fallen world. Denominational divides, theological disagreements, and personal biases remind us of the challenges in achieving perfect unity.
Ephesians 4:13 indicates that this unity will only be realized in its fullness when all believers stand in God’s presence. When we see Christ “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12), every misunderstanding will be corrected, and the entire body of Christ will share a unified and perfect faith.
Knowledge of the Son of God
The phrase “knowledge of the Son of God” refers not to mere intellectual understanding but to an intimate and complete comprehension of Jesus Christ. While believers grow in this knowledge throughout their lives (2 Peter 3:18), the ultimate knowledge of Christ will come when we behold Him in His glory. As John wrote: “We shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Until then, our knowledge is partial and work in progress. The promise of Ephesians 4:13 reminds us that our hope doesn’t lay in present attainment, but in the future revelation of Christ.
Unto a Perfect Man
The term “perfect man” here signifies spiritual maturity and completeness. This is not an individual achievement but a “all of us who are born again” reality, it’s the entire Church, as the body of Christ, reaching full maturity. This aligns with Paul’s metaphor of the Church as Christ’s bride, made spotless and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27).
The perfection described in Ephesians 4:13 will only occur after the rapture, when believers receive glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21) and are fully conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). It is then, in the eternal state, that the Church will become the “perfect man” that Paul explained to us.
The Measure of the Stature of the Fulness of Christ
This phrase wraps into one package the ultimate standard of Christian growth, and to Christ Himself. Believers are called to grow into His likeness, but the complete realization of this transformation awaits the future. In this life, we experience sanctification, but in eternity, we will experience glorification.
Ephesians 4:13 reassures us that God’s work in His Church will reach its completion. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6: “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Implications for Today
While Ephesians 4:13 points to a future fulfillment, it also reminds believers of the work to be done in the here and now. The Church is to aim for unity, grow in understanding Christ, and work toward spiritual maturity. These efforts, guided by the Holy Spirit, prepare us for the day when Christ will perfect His bride.
In light of this, Christians should approach doctrinal disagreements and personal conflicts with humility and grace, recognizing that perfect unity will only be achieved in heaven.
Conclusion
Ephesians 4:13 offers a vision of the Church’s glorious future while reminding us of the journey we’re on today. The verse reassures us that our faith journey is part of a larger, divine plan culminating in the unity, knowledge, and perfection of the body of Christ. Until then, let us press forward, trusting in God’s promise to bring His work to completion.