Sinless Perfection – Is it Biblical?

Sinless Perfection in Christianity: Understanding What It Truly Means

The idea of “sinless perfection” can be both intriguing and perplexing for many Christians today. For some, it may conjure a seemingly impossible standard of living entirely without error or sin. But is this really what Scripture calls us to? To unravel this concept, we’ll explore its prevalence in modern Christian thought, compare grace and works, and examine key Bible passages to understand God’s expectations for His followers. By the end of this post, we’ll see that Christian perfection is less about being sinless and more about striving toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

What Is “Sinless Perfection”?

“Sinless perfection” is the belief that followers of Christ can achieve a state of living entirely free from sin. It’s a concept that some interpret from Scripture but often misunderstand. While the Bible emphasizes holiness and obedience, achieving absolute perfection in this life remains a topic of theological debate.

The bible is clear: those who remain trapped in sin are still bound by its chains. However, if the bondage of sin is truly broken, we would have the ability to cease sinning, as Jesus commanded us to do. The Bible teaches that all sinners are broken, sick, and imperfect. There is hope! Those born of God are set free from the chains of sin, made whole, not broken, and called to perfection. For t, those born of God, their love for God fuels their desire to live obediently. God’s gift of salvation breaks the bondage of sin, giving us the freedom to live righteously and obey His commands freely.

Can We Ever Stop Sinning?

Jesus commanded some of those He healed to “go and sin no more”. Did Jesus command the impossible? This statement raises an interesting question about the nature of Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more” in regards to those he healed. Mainstream Christianity commonly teaches that Jesus, as fully God, has the power to command the impossible – because, they assert, He is God. However, when we look at this specific command, it may seem contradictory or even impossible for mortal mankind to achieve.

Before we dive into that question, let’s first understand why Jesus may have given this command in the first place. In many instances throughout the gospels, Jesus heals people from various illnesses and diseases. Jesus was given special authority by God the Father to heal and save as directed by Him.

In these miraculous healings, Jesus not only cures the person’s physical ailment, but he also forgives their sins. This shows that Jesus is not just concerned with our physical well-being, but also our spiritual well-being.

When Jesus tells those he healed to “go and sin no more,” he’s encouraging them to live free from the grip of sin. By healing and forgiving them, Jesus gave them the chance to break free and choose a new path – one where they could resist sin, and freely choose to obey God Almighty’s commands as Jesus commanded. Jesus is calling us to strive towards a life of righteousness and away from a life of sin.

Now, going back to the question of whether this command is possible for mankind to achieve – the answer lies in our relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus. We cannot overcome sin on our own strength, but through the power of God, we can have victory over it!

Grace vs. Works

One of the clearest explanations of salvation comes in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “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 highlights a fundamental truth of salvation – it is a gift from God. It isn’t something we can earn by our deeds or efforts. No amount of rule-following or good works could “purchase” our way to heaven. Grace is favor, given freely by God through Jesus Christ, and it is only by faith that we receive it.

For those grappling with the idea of sinless perfection, Ephesians 2:8-9 serves as a profound reminder that perfection is not a prerequisite for salvation. Rather, it is through God’s law, written on the minds and hearts of believers, that we are inspired to pursue holiness, obeying His commands.

Faith and Works

While salvation comes through faith, the Bible also underscores the importance of works as evidence of genuine faith. James 2:26 asserts, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

Faith isn’t merely intellectual agreement; it’s a commitment that transforms our actions. True faith leads to obedience to God’s commands – not as a way to earn salvation but as a natural outpouring of the Spirit’s work within us. Think of it like this: faith is the root of our relationship with God, works are the fruit.

When discussing “sinless perfection,” it’s crucial to understand that living righteously is a response to loving God through God’s enablement, not an attempt to boast in our works. Our good works are a reflection of our love for God and His Son Jesus, serving as a testimony to His miraculous, transforming power in our lives.

Striving for Perfection

One of the most well-known verses on perfection is Matthew 5:48, where Jesus tells His followers, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” At first glance, this command may seem to suggest an unattainable standard of sinlessness. However, when examined within the context of the Sermon on the Mount, it becomes clear that Jesus is pointing to the heart.

The Greek word often translated as “perfect” is teleios, defined as: perfect, complete, mature, or full-grown, depending on the context. It signifies a state of wholeness and completeness, having fulfilled its purpose or reached its intended goal. The call to “be perfect,” as spoken by Jesus, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The phrase “be perfect” is often linked throughout Scripture to steadfast faithfulness to God and obedience to His commands.

Striving for perfection, then, is about aiming to grow in love, humility, and obedience. It’s a continual process of becoming more like Christ as we allow the Father’s Spirit to work within us.

Working Out Salvation

Spiritual growth requires an active partnership between God and the believer. Philippians 2:12 encourages us to, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

This verse doesn’t suggest that we earn our salvation through effort. Instead, it calls us to fully engage in our faith by actively participating in our spiritual development. To “work out” salvation means allowing it to permeate every area of our lives, affecting our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

The phrase “fear and trembling” conveys a profound sense of reverence and awe. Fearing God is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom, reminding us of the immense significance of our salvation. Rather than fostering complacency, the Holy Spirit compels us to live lives that reflect the worthiness of His calling.

What Does the Bible Say About Obedience and Perfection?

Throughout Scripture, we find numerous verses that encourage believers to be obedient to God’s commands, doing the Father’s will. Here are a few notable examples:

• We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He listens to him. (John 9:31)

• By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 5:2)

• For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome.  (1 John 5:3)

• He who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

• Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)

• “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:6)

• “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15)

• Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” (John 8:51)

• For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. (2 Peter 2:20) 

• For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:1-6)

• For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation. (Hebrews 10:26)

• It’s the one who obeys God’s law that will be found righteous. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Romans 2:13)

These verses, along with many others not mentioned here, emphasize that the Christian life is not about repeatedly laying the foundation of repentance but about faithfully obeying the Father’s commands.

Pursuing Spiritual Maturity

As believers, we must balance relying on God’s instructions and taking active steps toward true spiritual growth. This includes connecting to the Father by continuously praying, studying His Word, seeking accountability, loving your neighbor, doing the Father’s will, and obeying His commands.

The call to pursue perfection, as Jesus commanded, is a profound invitation to seek holiness and live in obedience to God. This pursuit is not about achieving perfection in our own strength but is rooted in a deep desire to glorify God and reflect His love to the world around us. As believers, we have an incredible advantage compared to the imperfect sinner who is unable to achieve sinless perfection on their own.

Through the grace of God and the empowerment of His Spirit, we are equipped to grow closer to God, and enabled to overcome sin. This journey involves committing ourselves to the ongoing process of doing the Father’s will, remaining in His love, and demonstrating our love for Him by obeying His commands. It’s all about real transformation, and a lifelong walk of faith, continually learning, growing, and relying on God’s guidance and strength to reflect His holiness to others.

Living in Grace and Truth

Exploring “sinless perfection” through a biblical perspective can bring incredible relief and clarity to believers. God calls us to live with complete loyalty and faithfulness to Him. Be mindful, that salvation isn’t something we earn on our own – it’s a gift from God Almighty. Through Christ’s victorious resurrection, He conquered death, hell, and the grave, offering us a life of freedom and hope. Hallelujah! What an amazing truth to celebrate!

If you’re striving toward spiritual maturity and want to deepen your understanding of these truths, take heart in knowing you’re not alone on this journey. God’s grace is sufficient to guide and sustain you as you grow in faithfulness and commanded obedience.

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)