But the Bible DOES teach that one can be perfect and holy.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48).
Jesus does not say shoot for perfection. He says be ye therefore perfect.
Elsewhere Scriptures states,
"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16).
James says,
"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." (James 3:2).
Jesus says,
"...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." (Matthew 19:21).
Jesus also says,
"The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master." (Luke 6:40).
Paul says,
"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:"
Paul also says,
"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." (Philippians 3:15).
Paul also says,
"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" (Colossians 1:28).
"Epaphras, who is
one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may standperfect and complete in all the will of God." (Colossians 4:12).
The author of Hebrews says,
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 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." (Hebrews 13:20-21).
James says,
"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" (James 2:22).
"But let patience have
her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4).
Peter says,
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle
you." (1 Peter 5:10).
1 Peter 4:1-5
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. NKJV
Surely all believers can cease or stop from sin entirely according to the passage above. We either believe the LORD in what His Word says plainly, or we don’t believe Him, hence the terms: believers, or unbelievers. Paul says they that are Christ's have crucified the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24). David says he hid His Word (i.e. God''s Word) in his heart so that he may not sin against the LORD (
Psalm 119:11). Jesus said he that sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34). John says he that commits sin is of the devil (1 John 3:8). John also says he that does evil hates the light (John 3:20).
Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
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