Perfectionism is an unbiblical doctrine that requires lowering God’s standard of righteousness and results in either empty pride or hopeless despair. In Philippians 3, Paul uses his former way of life as a Pharisee to counter the claims of the legalists. We are not justified by our works but by grace through faith in Christ. When Paul was a Pharisee, he trusted in his earthly advantages, commitment and stellar record of law-keeping. But when he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he finally saw himself as he was, a prideful, wretched and hopeless sinner. He learned that the road to perfection is not in human will or effort but through the justifying and sanctifying work of the Savior. As Paul encourages the Philippian saints to pursue knowing Christ, he assures them that he is with them in this pursuit. He has not attained his goal; he is not yet perfect. That goal will be finally reached when Christ returns and we are raised incorruptible.