12   Not 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.    13   Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,   14   I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ~ PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14

***

There is a real key in verse 12. Paul is associating perfection with “apprehending” as he was apprehended of Christ. The word “apprehend” is to perceive or understand, meaning that you have a revelation of Christ’s thought of yourself. It is a faith perfection. Perfection must begin on the inside by a realization of the life of Christ in us. Then the outside reflects what is on the inside. The outward manifestation would be Christ and not your old man. Perfection is totally out of your hands and comes ONLY by the life of Christ in you.