39. “For the Perfecting of the Saints”

The Epistle to the Ephesians contains Paul’s instructions on why and how to live a Christian life. Disciples must have Christ as their foundation and then follow his example. Salvation comes through the atonement of Christ. Through the Atonement there can be unity and harmony among families and communities, and in the fulness of times Christ will “gather together in one all things” (Eph. 1:10).
Jesus Christ as Our Cornerstone

Chart 14-7: “Ephesians & Philemon,” Charting the New Testament
In Ephesians we learn that the process of “perfecting of the saints” requires us to increase our faith and follow the admonition of church leaders. Chart 14-7 records the other central messages taught in Ephesians and Philemon that protect us from the world and lead us to Christ.
“The Kingdom’s Perfecting Pathway,” Dale E. Miller, Ensign, May 1998
The process of becoming perfected demands much of us. However, Christ has outlined the way to overcoming weakness and becoming more like Him through our daily actions. This article discusses how as we “invest our time, talents, and means to build Zion, our hearts are purified, our wisdom increases, [and] celestial habits begin to form.”
“Men of Example,” Spencer W. Kimball, Teaching Seminary Preservice Readings
President Kimball, quoting Ephesians 5:22-25, teaches that Christ was faithful to his people, and likewise we should be faithful to our families. We must love, serve, respect, and teach our families. “Example is better than precept without personal performance, which is like ‘sounding brass and tinkling cymbal.’”