What does the word "perfect" or perfected, or perfection mean by original languages in...

Neogaia777 said:

He's the only who can do that though... But, by grace, we somehow get to have his place and he takes ours...

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Yes! The bar is perfection. He does not grade on a curve; however, He completely gives what He demands. Resting in Him, we are perfect, as He is perfect.

Neogaia777 said:

But that doesn't mean that in and of ourselves, that we are sinless or declared sinless... It is by Christ, and all Christ, and him alone...

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He will share His glory with no man.

Neogaia777 said:

It doesn't feel like weight, i more kinda get repulsed and disgusted by it, and a little angry, and sometimes either righteous, or self-righteous about it, I do not know which one...?

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By God's design, we are dependent creatures. Because of our pride, that repulses us. In the heart of mankind is murderous anger, and if we had the ability to, we would kill God. In fact, when we did get the chance, that's just what happened.

This is why no man can (has the ability to) come to Christ (John 6 & 10).

yeshuaslavejeff said:

If you take the time to search the Scriptures,
and Foxes Book of Martyrs,
you will find many who are/were perfect enough to be called blameless and holy and obedient
by God and by Jesus, in the BIBLE, and later by those who knew them.
Going against God's Instructions [in a continual] voluntary disobedience just
like a little child being rebellious against their dad or parents.

God shows us how to be obedient, not rebellious -
especially poignant because if someone continues willingly to be
disobedient/ lawless... they re-crucify Jesus again, and again, and again.... (see in Scripture).

i.e. voluntary willing disobedience is just like not ever repenting, just like never the first time turning to God to be becoming His child -
To be becoming His child is offered through Jesus, through Jesus alone (there's no other way to the Father ).....
Jesus knew He would be painfully tortured, whipped, stoned, mocked, beaten and crucified for the whole of mankinds sins,
and He bore as written in Scripture our sins and our sicknesses upon Himself (yes, for the whole world, once for all, on the cross).... unimaginable humility - the CREATOR became human, being born a man, and suffering so greatly though He Himself
Did No Wrong....

and through His suffering, and through His Resurrection, by God's Plan all along,
Jesus provides the Way to Life - free from all sin, free from the power of sin, free from greed and from idolatry and from all manner of sin that afflicts mankind,
and free from the power of the world,
and free from the power of satan....

Through Jesus' Faithfulness, we can be healed ! He cares for us, He sacrificed His Life for us, when we were all still His Enemy !
Such love as this,
such mercy and grace and hope !

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Yes, i know that there might be people who are "perfect" out there, and there has been before. I don´t think i´m disobedient just because i say i have free will. Some might believe that everything is given to them by God, that God sits up there and makes a plan for their life, but either way having free will does not mean that we are disobedient, all people are disobedient at times. Yes, some people uses their free will wrong, we can agree on that, but people are different, you might find joy in sitting and reading a book, i find joy in looking at a flower and our neighbor might find joy in watching the new Star Wars movie trailer, we all have different ways of seeing things. Not even in our faith we can have the same views. You know, at least i have the guts to admit how imperfect i am, maybe we should focus more on that, instead on fucusing on how perfect we think we are because we are not..
Like Mr. Lion said, it bothers me too, it´s just an ego enchancer, why not step away from our ego for a while and smell the flowers???? Like you said give a thirsty some water, how difficult is that, but in this world compassion for others is nearly dead. Humanity is the key to understanding and living out what we believe in, and are preaching. In my view, we will never become perfect, because there will always be something to work on. We should look at ourself with humble eyes. We should never think we are more than what we really are...

Neogaia777 said:

What does the word "perfect" or perfected, or perfection mean by original languages in scripture, and by God's definition of the word...?

How can we be perfect but different...?

Does God define perfect differently from any language we have and know of...?

What is perfect...?

Lastly, how do you define perfect...?

Comments...? Discussion...?

Peace,

God Bless!

Click to expand...

God is infinite perfection in all of his ways.

We dedicate our lives to seeking and doing Gods will as Jesus did.

But while the creature may crave perfection, only the creator possesses it.

Strong's Concordance
teleios: having reached its end, i.e. complete, by ext. perfect
Original Word: τέλειος, α, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: teleios
Phonetic Spelling: (tel'-i-os)
Short Definition: perfect, full-grown
Definition: perfect, (a) complete in all its parts, (b) full grown, of full age, (c) specially of the completeness of Christian character.

Perfect means 1)being entirely without fault or defect
and 2) faithfully reproducing the original.

We are certainly not Perfect (1) But we are Perfect (2) because we are in the image and likeness of God. We are not yet Perfected, but we can be: we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him 1 John 3:2
Righteous children grow up to be like their parent.

Neogaia777 said:

What does the word "perfect" or perfected, or perfection mean by original languages in scripture, and by God's definition of the word...?

How can we be perfect but different...?

Does God define perfect differently from any language we have and know of...?

What is perfect...?

Lastly, how do you define perfect...?

Comments...? Discussion...?

Peace,

God Bless!

Click to expand...

Firstly we need to know what passages you're referring to so that we can see what the actual word is in the original languages. Teleios is a Greek word that is translated perfect, which actually mean complete or mature.

Neogaia777 said:

What does the word "perfect" or perfected, or perfection mean by original languages in scripture, and by God's definition of the word...?

How can we be perfect but different...?

Does God define perfect differently from any language we have and know of...?

What is perfect...?

Lastly, how do you define perfect...?

Comments...? Discussion...?

Peace,

God Bless!

Click to expand...

William Barclay explains it by use of the meaning of the Greek word teleios (“perfect”), which describes something perfectly suited to the end for which it was created, like a full-grown adult as opposed to a person who is still a child, or a tool perfectly suited to a task. “The Greek idea of perfection is functional,” Barclay says. R. V. G. Tasker sees it differently. He thinks Torrey is right “in supposing that the underlying Aramaic word was active in sense, and that the meaning here is ‘all-including (in your good will) even as your Father includes all.’ ”8 Harry Ironside also sees the verse as a call for impartiality, arguing, “This is perfection in the sense of the complete absence of partiality, thus imitating him who is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), but who lavishes his favors upon just and unjust alike.”
Those interpretations could be on the right track, but I think D. A. Carson is wiser when he refuses to drop the idea of perfection so easily. It is true that we will never be perfect in this life, but the perfections outlined in this sermon are still those for which we should aim and that we should increasingly attain by God’s grace and power in our lives. Carson notes that the form of this verse is exactly the same as Leviticus 19:2, with “holy” merely being displaced by “perfect” (“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy”), and that Leviticus 19:2 is likewise urged on God’s people in the Bible.
What Jesus is saying is that the “direction in which the law has always pointed is not toward mere judicial restraints, concessions arising out of the hardness of men’s hearts, still less casuistical perversions, nor even to the ‘law of love.’ … No, it pointed rather to all the perfection of God, exemplified by the authoritative interpretation of the law bound up in the preceding antitheses. This perfection Jesus’ disciples must emulate if they are truly followers of him who fulfills the Law and the Prophets.”
Barclay is not entirely wrong when he says that we should be perfectly fitted to that for which we were created. But this is not some low standard, as if it meant only to be a well-rounded person. We were created to be like God, to aim at Christ-like character. The only way we will be able to aim at that character and achieve it is if God gives us a transformed heart.


James Montgomery Boice, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2001), 93–94.

Neogaia777 said:

Does that mean sinless...?

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Not necessarily.

As a couple of people have noted, the Greek teleios indicates "completeness," with the concept being "having reached full potential in the purpose for which it was designed and intended." In the sense understood by the Greeks, the "perfection" of an acorn is a fully formed oak tree. It reaches back to Plato, and Greek-speaking audiences understood it in that context.

So in order to reach my teleios, I must first discern the purpose for which I was designed and intended:

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

This is not simply about "being righteous"--following rules of behavior or ideas of "holiness."

Paul's use of teleios is in the same context of "having reached full potential in the purpose for which it was designed and intended," and it's usually translated as "mature" in his exhortations to the congregations.

Not that I have already reached the goal or [have reached my teleios], but I make every effort to take hold of it [my teleios] because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it [my teleios]. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, all who <have reached their teleios> should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

Neogaia777 said:

What does the word "perfect" or perfected, or perfection mean by original languages in scripture, and by God's definition of the word...?

How can we be perfect but different...?

Does God define perfect differently from any language we have and know of...?

What is perfect...?

Lastly, how do you define perfect...?

Comments...? Discussion...?

Peace,

God Bless!

Click to expand...

In Leviticus 11:44 God says to be "Holy"--this means 'set apart', different, and implies 'without sin'--I take this to mean that the command was to resemble God and to not resemble the other inhabitants of the land that didn't know Him.

In Matthew 5:48 Jesus says it differently--"be perfect"--the Greek word is Teleos. Teleos refers to an end product--connoting maturity, grown to completeness, etc. To paraphrase and return some of the strangeness to the statement. "Become fully grown-up as your Father in heaven is fully grown-up."

As created beings we will never be the same as God, but we will be like Him. We can't be perfect (fully grown-up) or holy (different) in the same way that He is. But I believe He has an intention for us, a goal that we should (and will) be fully grown into, one that is holy and resembles Him.

Neogaia777 said:

What does the word "perfect" or perfected, or perfection mean by original languages in scripture, and by God's definition of the word...?

How can we be perfect but different...?

Does God define perfect differently from any language we have and know of...?

What is perfect...?

Lastly, how do you define perfect...?

Comments...? Discussion...?

Peace,

God Bless!

Click to expand...

From the words of Jesus.
These are the definitions for the three different uses of the word PERFECT by Jesus

Mat. 5:48
Be ye therefore (PERFECT - G-5046), even as your Father which is in heaven is (PERFECT - G-5046).

PERFECT:
G5046
τέλειος
teleios
tel'-i-os
From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.

G3588
ὁ, ἡ, τό
ho hē to
ho, hay, to
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom): - the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.

G5056
τέλος
telos
tel'-os
From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid): - + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare G5411.

G5411
φόρος
phoros
for'-os
From G5342; a load (as borne), that is, (figuratively) a tax (properly an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas G5056 is usually a general toll on goods or travel): - tribute.

G5342
φέρω
pherō̄
fer'-o
A primary verb (for which other and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only; namely οἴω oiō̄̄ and ἐνέγκω enegkō̄ to “bear” or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively: - be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Luke 6:40
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is (PERFECT - G-2675) shall be as his master.

PERFECT:
G2675
καταρτίζω
katartizō
kat-ar-tid'-zo
From G2596 and a derivative of G739; to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: - fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect (-ly join together), prepare, restore.

G2596
κατά
kata
kat-ah'
A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined): - about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to, touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, [charita-] bly, concerning, + covered, [dai-] ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from . . . to, godly, in (-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), . . . by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-) on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through (-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-) to (-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where (-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution or intensity.

G739
ἄρτιος
atios
ar'-tee-os
From G737; fresh, that is, (by implication) complete: - perfect.

G739
ἄρτιος
artios
ar'-tee-os
From G737; fresh, that is, (by implication) complete: - perfect.

G737
ἄρτι
arti
ar'-tee
Adverb from a derivative of G142 (compare G740) through the idea of suspension; just now: - this day (hour), hence [-forth], here [-after], hither [-to], (even) now, (this) present.(also G738)

G142
αἴρω
airō
ah'ee-ro
A primary verb; to lift; by implication to take up or away; figuratively to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind); specifically to sail away (that is, weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare [H5375]) to expiate sin: - away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).

G740
ἄρτος
artos
ar'-tos
From G142; bread (as raised) or a loaf: - (shew-) bread, loaf.

G738
ἀρτιγέννητος
artigennētos
ar-teeg-en'-nay-tos
From G737 and G1084; just born, that is, (figuratively) a young convert: - new born.

G1084
γεννητός
gennētos
ghen-nay-tos'
From G1080; born: - they that are born.

G1080
γεννάω
gennaō
ghen-nah'-o
From a variation of G1085; to procreate (properly of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively to regenerate: - bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring.

G1085
γένος
genos
ghen'-os
From G1096; “kin” (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively, individually or collectively): - born, country (-man), diversity, generation, kind (-red), nation, offspring, stock.

G1096
γίνομαι
ginomai
ghin'-om-ahee
A prolonged and middle form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen” -erate), that is, (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literally, figuratively, intensively, etc.): - arise be assembled, be (come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, be done, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

John 17:23
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made (PERFECT - G-5048) in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

G5048
τελειόω
teleioō
tel-i-o'-o
From G5046; to complete, that is, (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character): - consecrate, finish, fulfil, (make) perfect.

G5046
τέλειος
teleios
tel'-i-os
From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.

G5056
τέλος
telos
tel'-os
From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid): - + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare G5411.

G3588
ὁ, ἡ, τό
ho hē to
ho, hay, to
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom): - the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.

G5411
φόρος
phoros
for'-os
From G5342; a load (as borne), that is, (figuratively) a tax (properly an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas G5056 is usually a general toll on goods or travel): - tribute.

G5342
φέρω
pherō̄
fer'-o
A primary verb (for which other and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only; namely οἴω oiō̄̄ and ἐνέγκω enegkō̄ to “bear” or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively: - be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold.

The verse of the day from the Bible says this (which relates to our topic):

“For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:15-16).


...

MATTHEW 5:
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

MATTHEW 19:
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me

JOHN 17:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

EPHESIANS 4:
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

PHILIPPIANS 3:
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

COLOSSIANS 1:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

COLOSSIANS 3:
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

COLOSSIANS 4:
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

1 THESSALONIANS 3:
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

II TIMOTHY 3:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

HEBREWS 6:
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

HEBREWS 10:
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

HEBREWS 13:
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

JAMES 3:
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

GENESIS 6:
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

DEUTERONOMY 18:
13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

JOB 1:
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

PSALM 37:
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

PSALM 101:
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Or, as Jesus directed: "Go and sin no more, so that things don't get much worse...."
i.e.
switch over from satan's kingdom,

to YHWH'S KINGDOM.

Choose to follow Jesus.

Whoever we follow, leads us to where we go.

Perfect is seen, is expected, is desired by God, is revealed by God,
is to be sought after, is [meant] by God to be achieved by all His servants.

QUOTE=]MATTHEW 5:
48 Be ye therefore perfect,

even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

MATTHEW 19:
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect,

go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me

JOHN 17:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect

in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:

yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

EPHESIANS 4:
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting

of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

PHILIPPIANS 3:
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect

, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

COLOSSIANS 1:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

COLOSSIANS 3:
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

COLOSSIANS 4:
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete
in ALL the will of God.

1 THESSALONIANS 3:
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might
perfect
that which is lacking in your faith?

II TIMOTHY 3:
17 That the man of God may be perfect,

throughly furnished unto all good works.

HEBREWS 6:
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,
let us go on unto perfection;

not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God,

HEBREWS 10:
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

HEBREWS 13:
21 Make you perfect
in every good work to do his will,
working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

JAMES 3:
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word,

the same is a perfect man
, and able also to bridle the whole body.

GENESIS 6:
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect
in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

DEUTERONOMY 18:
13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

JOB 1:
1 There was a man in the land of Uz,
whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright,
and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

..................................8 And the LORD said
unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

PSALM 37:
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

PSALM 101:
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.[/QUOTE

"PERFECT" is NOT a comparison of people.

It is a declaration by God to His people. Simple as "Turn to God, His Kingdom is at hand" (here and now, today).

It is a choice for people, each person, to "Turn to God", or not.

HE never said "You are not perfect,
so go away, I cannot help you" to Anyone, Yet.

Jesus told His Own disciples: I know you don't know how (to live right), come to ME and learn from ME, and I WILL SHOW YOU HOW (to live right).

Many of His Own disciples STOPPED following Jesus - they did not want to do what HE said to do, or they did not accept HIS WORD, HE SPOKE, as TRUTH.
................. So, they STOPPED following Jesus, after having been His disciples for some time.

The other disciples STAYED with Jesus , maybe ran away or denied Him sometimes, but ended up STAYING with Him. They did what Jesus said to do.(Jews AND gentiles, both, everyone who followed Jesus and STAYED with Him) .... all of His disciples DID what Jesus said to DO. Like SHEEP>
following the Shepherd.

Their is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, none at all. Only HEALING.

Disciples of Jesus who had not been following Jesus in the past, when they came to Him , or to His disciples, LEARNED HOW/ What to DO from the disciples, from Jesus.

They did not get told - good and well, go do what you used to do, live like you were raised or like you are used to living , no problem. No, they all had to change. Many refused to change. < shrugs > why? Who knows? They simply refused to change, and did not Follow Jesus or His disciples, and did not learn to live as Jesus and His disciples lived - in God's Will in Christ Jesus.

A few follow Jesus. (narrow road)

Many do not. (wide road)

The problem people have with text is due to their lack of understanding and reliance upon the gospel. Stop trying to justify yourself, and you won't have an issue with this text. Christ demands perfection. That is true, and it always has been true. The only way we make it, is in Him. Look at yourself in the mirror after reading, "be perfect", and you will do one of three things: beg for mercy; fool yourself into believing you are prefect, or lower the bar of God's standards.

jimmyjimmy said:

you will do one of three things: beg for mercy; fool yourself into believing you are perfect, or lower the bar of God's standards.

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Why on earth or in heaven would anyone do one of those 3 things !?

Good question yeshuaslavejeff !

...and I will DO what JESUS (his WORD) said / says to do. I won't beg, fool myself, nor lower the bar.

James 1 :
[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.