Babes, young men, fathers

In what sense then are Christians perfect? This is what I shall endeavor in the second place to show. But it should be premised that there are several stages in Christian life as in natural life: some of the children of God being but newborn babes, others having attained to more maturity. And accordingly St. John, in his first letter (1 John 2:12 and following), applies himself severally to those he terms little children, those he styles young men, and those whom he titles fathers. I write to you, little children, says the apostle, because your sins are forgiven (1 John 2:12): because thus far you have attained, being justified freely, you have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:13); or (as he afterwards adds) because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you (1 John 2:14). You have quenched the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16), the doubts and fears with which he disturbed your first peace, and the witness of God that your sins are forgiven now abides in your heart. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning (1 John 2:13-14). You have known both the Father and the Son, and the Spirit of Christ in your inmost soul. You are perfect men, being grown up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).