Transformation unto Maturity VS Growth unto Perfection

 

Transformation unto Maturity VS Growth unto Perfection

 

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, having departed from the beginnings concerning Christ, let us press on to perfection and maturity, no longer laying the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it, or am already perfect, but I press on to take hold of that which was taken hold of me by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it, but this one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Item	Transformation unto Maturity	Growth unto Perfection
Definition	Metabolic change in our natural life, ultimately reaching the fullness of life; intrinsic change in nature, allowing the divine life to be mingled with the transformed human life as one	Continuous increase in the life of Christ, growing from spiritual babies to adults; continuous growth in the divine life, reaching perfection
Greek Original Meaning	'Transformation' (metamorphoo) - metabolic change; 'Maturity' - terminus, fullness	'Growth' (auxano) - increase, augment; 'Perfection' (teleios) - reaching the goal, maturity
Core Concept	Qualitative change: transition from natural life to divine life in nature	Quantitative increase: continuous growth based on the existing divine life foundation
Process Characteristics	• Intrinsic metabolic change • Divine life dispensed into human natural life • Progressive change from glory to glory • Renewal of the mind	• Continuous growth process • Development from babies to adults • Holding to truth in love • Running straight toward the goal
Starting Point	Begins at regeneration when God's life is placed in the spirit	Begins immediately after regeneration, like babies needing spiritual milk
Main Distinctions	• Emphasizes change in nature • Focus on dispensing of divine life • Intrinsic transformation of essence • Reaching fullness of life	• Emphasizes increase in measure • Focus on expansion of life • Development of existing life • Reaching maturity of life
Practical Manifestation	• Natural life saturated with divine life • Change in disposition • From self-centered to God-centered • Manifestation of life's fullness	• Increase in spiritual stature • Deepening knowledge of Christ • Growing into Christ in all things • Reaching the full-grown man
Biblical Examples	Jacob's Transformation: • Became an open vessel to God after losing Joseph • Filled by God during silent years in Hebron • Changed from grasper to prince • Fundamental change in character	Paul's Pursuit: • Earnestly pursued to lay hold of Christ • Forgetting what is behind, stretching forward • Running straight toward the goal • Continuously growing in Christ's life
Practical Application	• Being transformed through renewal of mind • Beholding the Lord's glory with unveiled face • Allowing divine life to metabolize in daily living • Opening to God like a vessel in difficulties	• Longing for God's word like pure milk • Holding to Christ as reality in love • Holding fast the Head • Growing together with all saints in the Body
Ultimate Goal	• Life reaching fullness • Being completely filled with divine life • Reality of God-man mingling • Becoming mature believers	• The full-grown man • Maturity of the church as Christ's Body • Reaching the measure of the stature of Christ's fullness • Being perfect in life like the heavenly Father
Body Consciousness	Mature believers know and care for Christ's Body, have Body consciousness, and are Body-centered	Growing in Christ's Body by holding fast the Head, receiving supply through joints and bonds, growing with God's growth
Related Scriptures	• Rom 12:2 - Being transformed through renewal of mind • 2 Cor 3:18 - Beholding the Lord's glory and being transformed • Heb 6:1 - Going on to perfection, maturity • Col 4:12 - Standing perfect in all God's will	• 1 Pet 2:2 - Longing for spiritual milk to grow • Eph 4:15 - Growing up into Christ in all things • Phil 3:12-15 - Earnestly pursuing to lay hold of Christ • Matt 5:48 - Being perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect
Mutual Relationship	Transformation is the way and process to reach maturity	Growth is the prerequisite for maturity

 

Summary:

l   Transformation unto Maturity emphasizes the qualitative change of life, which is the metabolic change of the divine life upon the natural life until reaching the fullness of life.

l   Growth unto Perfection emphasizes the quantitative increase of life, which is the continuous expansion and development in the divine life until reaching the measure of maturity.

Both complement each other:

Transformation provides the inner dynamic for maturity, while growth provides the outward manifestation of maturity. The ultimate goal for both is to reach the maturity of life, which is the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

 

*Please refer to the 2025 Memorial Day Blending Conference. General Topic: Preparation of the Bride. Chapter 3: Maturity of the Bride.