“Two Aspects of the Perfected New Man: Organic Constitution vs. Functional Perfecting”

 

“Two Aspects of the Perfected New Man: Organic Constitution vs. Functional Perfecting”

Ephesians 2:15 — “...creating the two in Himself into one new man.”
Ephesians 4:13–15 — “Until we all arrive… at a full-grown man… holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him.”
Ephesians 4:12–16 — “For the perfecting of the saints… for the building up of the Body of Christ… according to the operation in the measure of each one part…”

Category	Organic Constitution  (Growth in Life)	Functional Perfecting  (Fulfilling the Ministry / Building the Body)
Meaning	Refers to the new man being constituted with Christ in life, becoming complete organically through the growth of life. Like a newborn baby who already possesses all organs but must be nourished to mature, organic constitution is not an outward addition but an inward infusion of Christ as life. It emphasizes the inner essence—becoming Christ.	Refers to the new man being perfected to function in the Body: operating according to each member’s measure, serving, supplying, and building up the Body. As a child who grows and begins using his organs, functional perfecting is the outward expression of inward growth. It emphasizes practical operation—building the Body.
Difference	Internal, organic, hidden, centered on Christ’s inward work; the focus is life and being.	External, expressed, corporate, related to the saints’ coordination; the focus is function and doing.
Reason	Because Christ must be wrought into us (Col. 3:10–11) so that the new man can grow and express Christ. Organic constitution is necessary for a real new man.	Because the new man must accomplish God’s eternal economy through building the Body (Eph. 4:12–16). Life growth is the root, functional perfecting is the goal.
Means	Nourishment by the Word, enjoyment of life, renewing, being supplied by Christ, care and cherishing (Eph. 5:29), allowing Christ to make His home in our heart (Eph. 3:17).	The perfecting work of the gifted members (Eph. 4:12), shepherding, coordination, service, practicing the spirit, mutual building up, corporate learning.
Result	Maturity in life, possessing the measure of Christ, not tossed by winds of teaching (Eph. 4:14), expressing Christ.	Every saint functioning, the Body growing and building itself up in love (Eph. 4:16), the perfected new man becoming the prepared bride (Rev. 19:7).
Examples	Saints growing through morning revival, pray-reading, calling on the Lord, receiving nourishment; like a child who grows through feeding.	Saints functioning in shepherding, gospel, home meetings, prophesying, coordinating in service; like mature organs operating properly.
Application	Daily morning revival, pray-reading, meditation, hidden times with the Lord, turning to the spirit, living in fellowship.	Participating in practical church service, shepherding, coordination, perfecting meetings, small groups, functioning to supply others.
Burden	To let Christ be constituted into us, rejecting mere doctrines and emphasizing true life growth so the new man is organic, real, and substantial.	To perfect every saint unto their function so that the Body is built up practically and the bride is prepared.
Prophecy Pointers	Speak concerning: Christ being wrought into us, putting on the new man, being renewed in life, growing in life, Christ being all and in all.	Speak concerning: every member functioning, coordination of the Body, perfecting the saints, building up in love, preparing the bride.
Expanded Scriptures	Ephesians 4:13–15 — “Until we all arrive… at a full-grown man… holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him.” Ephesians 5:29 — “Nourishes and cherishes it.” Colossians 3:10–11 — “…renewed… where Christ is all and in all.” John 10:10 — “I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly.”	Ephesians 4:12–16 — “For the perfecting of the saints… for the building up of the Body of Christ… according to the operation in the measure of each one part…” Ephesians 4:14 — “No longer little children… tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching.” Revelation 19:7 — “The bride has made herself ready.”

 

Conclusion: 

l   Organic constitution is the inner foundation of the new man; without growth in life the new man cannot be real nor functional.

l   Functional perfecting is the practical expression of the new man; it consummates in the prepared bride and the Lord’s return.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 6: Be Perfect, Just as Perfect as Our Heavenly Father.