Understanding Biblical Salvation and Perfection

Before diving into this fascinating article on Biblical Salvation and Perfection, let me point you to another must-read piece on salvation that we highly recommend checking out! This biblical resource examines the foundational aspects of salvation, providing treasured insights that can help deepen your understanding by enriching your perspective on the topic. Before we get to it, be sure to check it out – How To Be Saved According To Jesus. Also consider checking out: What Does “Perfect” Really Mean in the Bible?

Many Today Understand To Be Perfect Is “Sinless Perfection”

John Wesley, the 18th-century founder of Methodism, developed the doctrine of entire sanctification, emphasizing that after a believer undergoes spiritual rebirth, becoming born again, and grows in grace, there is an instantaneous act of sanctification by God’s Spirit. Wesley promoted terms like “Christian Perfection,” “Perfect Love,” and “Holiness” interchangeably to describe this process, where the believer’s heart is cleansed of sin and perfected in God’s love. This deeper sanctification enables continued growth toward Christ-like character.

Can We Actually Stop Sinning Today?

Most would say no, even though Jesus commanded it. Many argue that interpreting Jesus’ words literally about “go and sin no more” suggests that Jesus commanded the impossible, asserting that it is not possible to completely stop sinning, even after being set free from sin.

The primary reason many believe that Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more” is impossible is that they do not interpret his words as a literal directive to cease sinning entirely. This is largely due to the interpretation of what it means to be “set free from sin.” In Christian theology, being set free from sin does not imply a literal freedom from sinning. Instead, it is understood as a metaphor, referring to being set free from the “penalty” of sin. This leads into the free grace movement.

Free Grace – What Is It?

Free grace in Christian theology states that salvation is a free gift from God, given solely through His grace and not as a result of mankind’s effort, works, or obedience to God’s commands. The free grace doctrine specifies that salvation is granted through faith in Jesus Christ alone, underscoring the idea that no amount of good deeds or obedience to God can earn God’s favor. It testifies to God’s unconditional love and mercy, offering redemption to all who believe, regardless of their past actions or shortcomings.

Free Grace vs Commanded Obedience

Free grace stands in stark contrast to the idea that salvation hinges on obedience to God’s commands. In Christian theology, some perspectives emphasize obedience to God’s commands as essential in the process of working out your salvation with fear and trembling. However, the free grace perspective highlights that salvation is a gift received through faith alone, minus the fear and trembling, therefore not dependent on obedience to God’s commandments.

Proponents of free grace assert that while good works and obedience are important for spiritual growth and discipleship, they are not the basis for salvation. The free grace doctrine highlights God’s unconditional love and mercy, underscoring the idea that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace alone. This leads into grace “alone” through faith “alone”, with the keyword “alone”

The Protestant View Of Free Grace

Grace alone through faith alone theology is a cornerstone of Protestant belief, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God granted through His grace alone and received by faith alone, independent of our commanded obedience or merit. This doctrine emerged prominently during the Reformation, defended by Martin Luther and John Calvin, who sought to return to what they perceived as the foundational teachings of the New Testament.

According to the theology of grace alone through faith alone, this theology teaches that ‘mankind is inherently sinful’ and ‘incapable of obeying God’. Additionally, it is through God’s unmerited favor (grace) that individuals are justified, not by commanded obedience as prescribed in the bible. Faith or just a simple belief is the means by which believers accept this grace, trusting wholly in Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. This belief underscores the notion that salvation is not a transaction but a divine gift, ensuring that the glory of redemption belongs solely to God.

Free Grace + Grace Alone Through Faith Alone

The proponents of the “free grace” and “grace alone through faith alone” theology teach that: Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more”, is not meant to be taken literally, claiming that trying to become sinless or trying to sin less is a heretical doctrine known as “sinless perfection”.

Advocates of free grace and salvation through faith alone contend that salvation is based entirely on faith in Jesus Christ. They argue that it is not about merely beginning with faith or maintaining it through ongoing obedience to God’s commands but rather about fully emphasizing the primacy of grace over works in the Christian faith.

Sinless Perfection

“Sinless perfection” is a term used by Christians to describe obedience to God as an essential aspect of a living faith. Many Christians are taught that believers in the Messiah have been set free from the power of sin. However, many do not believe Jesus’ command that they can truly “go and sin no more”.

According to the Bible, someone who has been born again has a new nature and the seed of God within them, and as a result, they are unable to sin (1 John 3:9). The bible teaches that anyone who is born of God can live a life free from sin (1 John 5:18).

Living a life that intends to never sin again stirs plenty of debate in Christian theology, especially among free grace teachers and those who emphasize imputed righteousness. The Bible teaches that, by Jesus freeing us from the bondage of sin, we are now free to willingly choose obedience to God’s commands.

Sinning Christians vs Holy Saints

The Bible addresses the issue of sin and its consequences for both Christians and non-Christians alike. Throughout scripture, sin is depicted as a rebellion against God Almighty, and those who continue in sin are warned of spiritual and eternal consequences.

In Romans 6:23, it states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the free gift of salvation offered through Christ.

The Apostle Paul never called Christians “sinners”. He always referred to believers as “saints.” Paul used this term to describe individuals who were set apart (holy) for God and sanctified through faith in Christ. For example, in his letters, Paul often opened with greetings to the saints, acknowledging their faithfulness and dedication. In Ephesians 1:1, he writes, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” Paul encouraged the saints to live lives worthy of their calling, to be holy and blameless, and to grow in love and unity. Paul’s teachings on sainthood highlight the importance of a life dedicated to serving God and each other in the body of Christ.

There No Is Condemnation To Those Who Are In Christ Jesus

Defining terms: (Romans 8:1) What does “to those who are in Christ Jesus” mean? It’s really simple! We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning (1 John 5:18); Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17), and in Him there is no sin (1 John 3:5).

This clearly demonstrates that our sinful nature from Adam has died, and we have been reborn into the image of Christ, who is the second Adam. We must be in Christ, and in Him, there is no sin. Therefore, anyone who is in Christ will resist sin, as noted in 1 John 5:18.

All Levels of Sin Are Unacceptable

Sin is a choice, and no sin is small enough to overlook — every choice matters. For Christians, the Bible clarifies the necessity of genuine repentance, which is defined as completely turning away from sin altogether.

1 John 3:9 states, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” As born-again believers, we are called to be holy and do righteousness, which can only be attained by being born-again, born unto righteousness.

For Sinners Of This World

For non-Christians, the Bible warns that those who reject Christ and continue living in willful sin will face condemnation and judgement. In 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 it states, “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” This verse emphasizes the seriousness of choosing to live a life separated from God and not accepting the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.

To The Born-Again Believers

As born-again believers, we have been set free from the slavery of sin to become slaves to righteousness. As it says in Romans 6:18, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” We no longer have to be controlled by our sinful nature but can walk in obedience to God’s commands with the help of His seed within us.

Free Grace vs Obedient Faith?

Free gracers argue that we are sinners by nature, even after being freed from sin through Jesus, and will remain sinners until the day we die. According to the free grace perspective, Jesus obeyed God perfectly on their behalf, so they don’t have to carry the impossible burden of obeying God as Jesus commanded.

While the Bible commands us to be perfect, holy, and obedient, achieving absolute perfection in this life remains a topic of theological debate. Many bible believers are motivated by their love for God and a commitment to live in obedience to Him. It is important to recognize the reality of imperfection, particularly in the lives of those who have not yet fully repented or turned away from the sins from which Jesus has freed them.

If We Have Been Set Free, Then Why Can’t I Stop Sinning?

A sinner is often defined by their imperfections. Sinners are still held captive by their sins. Jesus came to free those held captive by sin, offering them an opportunity at true liberation and freedom from sin. Once set free, Jesus calls them to follow His words: “Go and sin no more.” Those who profess to be free from sin but continually fall into it remain bound by its grip. Caught in a relentless cycle of sinning and repenting, they find themselves trapped in an endless pattern: sin, repent, repeat.

True worship of God the Father is all about being faithful to Him and doing His will. At its heart, the narrow path is about faithfully worshipping God Almighty with our obedience to His Commands. Following Jesus is all about doing as He said, living as He lived, and committing our lives to God the Father, just as Jesus did, faithfully. Those who are born of God (born-again) will experience life-changing freedom from the bondage of sin that once engulfed them. Once someone is set free from the bondage of their sin, they are now completely free to “sin no more” as Jesus commanded.

Transformation and growth in God’s ways, and wisdom naturally follow being born into His Kingdom. As we become more like Jesus, we are commanded to live as Jesus did, with the hope of never sinning again, as Jesus commanded all to do. Jesus commanded us to be perfect, and we must follow His instructions to live according to His example.

Salvation by Faith, Perfection through Obedience: A Biblical Perspective

Salvation and obedience. These two pillars of biblical faith are deeply interconnected, yet many wrestle with how they work together. Is salvation purely a gift from God (faith alone), or must we work out our salvation with fear and trembling? How does the Bible define perfection in light of faith and obedience?

Faith being full produces faithfulness to God Almighty in complete and total allegiance to His will. With God’s Spirit within us, we are empowered to overcome sin and live in true freedom. As we grow spiritually and walk in obedience to His commands, we experience the transformative power of His enduring grace, leading us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Let’s explore these profound truths using scripture as our bar of measurement.

What is Biblical Salvation?

At its heart, biblical salvation involves being delivered from the bondage of sin, and from the eternal consequences of sin, including being cast into an everlasting hell. Salvation is achieved by our faith in the one who sent Jesus to redeem us, a belief that Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave to make us alive and whole.

Salvation is a reconciliation between God Almighty and His creation, offering us a covenantal relationship with God, including eternal, everlasting life. This is made possible through the incredible redemptive sacrifice of Jesus, who, by the will of God the Father, triumphed with His victorious resurrection, conquering sin and death once and for all.

Ephesians 2:8-9 encapsulates this truth beautifully:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

This verse underscores salvation as a gift—not a reward for good deeds or earned through effort. Yet, salvation sets the foundation for a transformed life, where obedience becomes a natural outpouring of faith.

So, how exactly does faith save, and what part does obedience play in completing the picture?

Salvation Through Faith

Faith is the central element of salvation. When we place our trust in Christ, we acknowledge that He alone is sufficient to cleanse us from sin, reconcile us with the Father, and grant us eternal life.

Jesus’ resurrection is what grants us victory over sin and death, not our actions. However, faith is not merely intellectual agreement but involves wholehearted trust and complete surrender of our will and our life. Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” presents examples of Old Testament patriarchs like Abraham and Moses, who acted in faith even when they could not see the final outcome.

The Apostle Paul consistently emphasized salvation apart from the works of the law, clearly evident in Galatians 2:16, which states: “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”

True saving faith inherently results in transformation and action. James 2:26 succinctly declares: “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

This verse serves as a clear reminder that faith without works is incomplete. True believers demonstrate faith through their works, not as a way to earn God’s love, but as a response to the grace already received, and to remain in God’s love

Obedience to God’s Commands as a Response to Faith

Don’t misunderstand! Obedience isn’t the prerequisite for salvation; it is the response to it. When someone truly experiences God’s grace, the heart is transformed, they become a new creation, and obedience becomes a natural response of love and gratitude. The bible describes our love for God as obeying His commands.

Jesus Himself clarified this when He said:

“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” John 15:9-10

These verses frame obedience not as legalism or sinless perfection, but as an act of love. Obedience is not about earning salvation; it reflects the faith we profess. Consider Philippians 2:12, which exhorts believers to:“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Paul is not suggesting that salvation is dependent on works. Instead, he emphasizes the responsibility of believers to actively live out the gift of salvation through ongoing obedience, relying on God Almighty’s Spirit for guidance.

Embracing Obedience to God with Love and Joy

Biblical obedience is not begrudging servitude; it is joyful participation in God’s will. Romans 12:1 calls believers to live sacrificially as an act of spiritual worship. Such obedience flows naturally when a heart is regenerated by faith.

This leads us to the idea of “perfection” in the Christian life. What does it mean to “be perfect” as a result of this process?

Understanding Perfection in the Context of Obedience

Perfection in the biblical sense does not imply flawlessness but maturity and completeness in Christ. This is a lifelong process called sanctification, whereby believers are refined to reflect God’s character.

Jesus commands in Matthew 5:48:“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

This verse might seem daunting, but it points to transformation fueled by grace. Perfection here refers to spiritual maturity, a goal toward which believers strive, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture reminds us that God is patient during this growth, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Spiritual perfection is not instant but incremental. By walking in obedience and leaning on God’s strength, believers grow from “glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Bible acknowledges our mankind’s imperfection while offering hope through God Almighty’s Holy Spirit, who enables us to pursue holiness and become perfect.

Notably, this perspective on perfection reinforces the beautiful relationship between faith and obedience. Faith saves and justifies, while obedience sanctifies and perfects us in God’s eyes over time.

Key Verses On Obedience Faith:

Romans 1:5 “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.”

James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

Romans 6:13 “Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

Hebrews 5:9 “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

1 Samuel 15:22 “So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.'”

Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

Acts 5:29 “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: We ought to obey God rather than men.”

These verses illustrate how God receives our love through our obedience to His ways, His commands, His teachings, and His will. By following His word and living according to His will, we demonstrate our love and faithfulness, showing that our worship of God is not just in words but in deed.

Living in the Harmony of Faith and Obedience

Faith and obedience are not in opposition. Faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin. Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned, compelling us to respond with commanded obedience. This harmony is central to the born-again life.

The Bible assures us that God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that His Spirit empowers us to pursue His will joyfully. By submitting our lives to Jesus with unwavering faith and committed obedience, we experience spiritual growth and reflect God’s glory in a world that desperately needs it.

If you find yourself wrestling with questions about balancing faith and obedience, know that you are not alone. Reflect on the Word, lean into prayer, and seek support from fellow believers. Remember that salvation is God’s gift to you, and perfection is the process of becoming who God intended you to be.

In the book of James, we are reminded that faith without works is dead. This means that our actions should reflect our beliefs, and that true faith results in obedience to God’s commandments. However, as mankind, we are prone to make mistakes and fall short of God’s perfect standard.

Let us close in prayer:

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)