Perfectionism

 

 

Are we commanded to be perfect? Is perfection even possible in this life?

First of all, there are no excuses for sin. Instead, we are commanded to be perfect:

·       1 Peter 1:15–16 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

 

We find this same requirement throughout the Bible:

·       Deuteronomy11:8 You shall therefore keep the whole commandment that I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and take possession of the land that you are going over to possess.

 

Never does the Bible inform us that we are permitted to violate God’s commands. Instead, any sin can damn us, as Jesus taught:

·       Matthew 5:21–22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” (James 2:10)

 

Consequently, none will ever reach perfection in this life (1 John 3:5). This fact highlights our continual need for the mercy of God, which is always available to those who confess their sins and decide to sincerely turn from them:

 

·       1 John 1:8–9 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

God abhors sin, but He loves mercy more than He hates sin (James 2:13). Jesus informs us that even the angels celebrate when one sinner repents:

·       Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

 

·       Ezekiel 33:11 "Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.