Question: Is it possible to live a perfect life free of sin?
I invite you to give this question some serious thought and prayer. The world and the majority of Christians say it is impossible, but throughout history, the majority has been wrong the majority of the time. Here are some questions for you to consider.
If you strongly believed that you could never live a perfect life would you even try?
Do you find it easy to brush off your weaknesses as something you can never overcome?
Did Jesus die to save you FROM your sins or IN your sins?
If you believe that God is ALL powerful and created you, do you believe that as your Creator, He can keep you from sinning?
God describes our end time church as the church of Laodicea. Why is it that the church is so spiritually weak? Why don't we see the miracles, power of the Spirit and changed lives that accompanied the early church? Could one of the reasons be the belief that we can never be perfect? When only the love of God is heard from our pulpits and no call is made for people to repent of their sins, to change their characters and desires and to be filled with the Holy Spirit is it any wonder our church is so spiritually weak? Part of the blame needs to be placed on the people who desire smooth things preached to them. They would rather hear how God will bless them financially or take care of all their needs as long as they attend church and try to be good. Many sermons heard today sound more like motivational seminars than sermons influenced by the Holy Spirit that touches hearts and changes lives.
Please read the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not]. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:1-11
In verse 11 Jesus says to the woman, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." He did not say, "go, and try not to sin" or "go, and sin a little less." Was Jesus asking her to do the impossible?
Would God give us laws we couldn't keep?
What would happen to our society if we kept only the majority of the laws or just the laws we felt were important? We as humans expect everyone to obey all of the laws in order to maintain an orderly society. What would happen if we break just one law? Could we go in front of the judge and say, "your laws are too harsh" or "everyone else doesn't keep them" or "no one can keep all of the laws" or "I keep all the others." Yet these are the same arguments you hear from Christians arguing why they cannot keep the law of God. Again, would God give us laws we couldn't keep?
[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he. Deuteronomy 32:4
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints. Revelation 15:3
We know that God is fair and just in all things. If God gave us laws we couldn't keep and held us accountable for not keeping them, He wouldn't be fair and just.
The command is simple, If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15
Please read 1Peter 2:21-25
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1Peter 2:21-25
According to the above verses, Jesus was our perfect and sinless example which we are to follow. Did you also read that we are dead to sins? When someone is dead to something, can that person do anything? Put another way, can a dead person do anything?
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NKJV
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2Kings 2:11
If you think Enoch and Elijah were the only two people to attain a life without sin because they were taken into heaven without ever seeing death, remember that the priests who entered into the most Holy place had to be totally free of any spot or sin in their life. This is not to say that Enoch and Elijah never sinned in their life for Romans 3:23 says For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. At the time of their translation, Enoch and Elijah must have been living a life free from sin, for no sin can enter heaven as well as anything unrighteous, unholy or unclean. Speaking of heaven, Revelation 21:27 in the NIV says, Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Coming back to the priests, if there was one spot or one sin in their life, as soon as the priest entered the Most Holy place where the presence of God was, he would not be able to stand in front of a Holy God and would immediately be struck down by God. This is why they wore the garment with little bells of gold on the hem. And they made bells [of] pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates; A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister [in]; as the LORD commanded Moses. Exodus 39: 25-26 KJV A cord was also attached to the priests' leg so that while entering the Most Holy, if he were to be struck dead, they could retrieve the body without entering the Most Holy and being struck dead themselves.
The priests knew before they entered the Most Holy place whether they were right with God and if they had any unconfessed sins. There was no guessing and hoping that they didn't die when they came into the presence of God. Their daily communion and prayer with God allowed them to discern and hear His voice as a child discerns and understands his earthly father's voice. The priests were so connected with the heavenly Father that communication was effortless, like having a constant companion at your side. This is the kind of relationship that is our privilege to attain and the heavenly Father longs to achieve with each one of His creatures. He wants us to live victorious lives as an example to others that following Him is the only way that we can truly live fulfilling lives that is a blessing to all those we meet.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4,5
I believe that throughout history and even to this day, there are men of God who lead sinless lives. You just don't hear of them or know about them. Just as Elijah thought he was the only one to remain faithful to God, God showed him there were 7000 who were also faithful to Him. Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 1Kings 19:18 Elijah did not hear of anyone else or know of anyone else who remained faithful to God, but God knew who they were.
Consider this -
God is perfect - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48
The Law is perfect - 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. James 1:25
Don't you think God would want you to live a perfect life? By living a life free from sin in a sinful world, wouldn't this tremendously glorify your Creator?
Wouldn't a perfect God want His creation to be perfect? Everything will eventually be made perfect in the earth made new but did God send His most precious gift in His Son Jesus Christ so that He would have to wait till then? I think not! He has given us power NOW to live victorious lives to be an example to a sinful world that the power of God is able to overcome ANY and ALL evil tendencies. It is the devil's charge that God's laws are too harsh, that no one can follow them and that by commanding us to do something we cannot do, that God is not just and fair.
If we tried to keep God's laws through our own strength we will surely fail, for we have a sinful nature. The only way to keep the law is through the strength and power of Jesus Christ.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Col. 1:28
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 1Peter 2:21,22 NIV
Christ in the weakness of humanity was to meet the temptations of one possessing the powers of the higher nature that God had bestowed on the angelic family. But Christ's humanity was united with divinity, and in this strength he would bear all the temptations that Satan could bring against him, and yet keep his soul untainted by sin. And this power to overcome he would give to every son and daughter of Adam who would accept by faith the righteous attributes of his character. {Review and Herald, January 28, 1909 par. 10}
The little sins that men think are so trivial a character that on their account they will be brought into condemnation, are very offensive in the sight of God. Says one, 'You are too severe, a man must be allowed these little defects of character.' Let us hear the words of Christ. He says, 'Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.' People venture to commit sins that are grievous in the sight of God, and think that they are not to be called to task for them, because they say they are due to nervousness, to a peculiar temperament; but this is simply soothing the conscience and crying, 'peace, peace when there is no peace.' Sin is sin, and it is the delusion of Satan to look upon it in any other light than that it is grievous. (Review and Herald, August 1, 1893 par. 11)
The law of God is the mirror to show man the defects in his character. But it is not pleasant to those who take pleasure in unrighteousness to see their moral deformity. They do not prize this faithful mirror, because it reveals to them their sins. Therefore, instead of instituting a war against their carnal minds, they war against the true and faithful mirror, given them by Jehovah for the very purpose that they may not be deceived, but that they may have revealed to them the defects in their character.
Should the discovery of these defects lead them to hate the mirror, or to hate themselves? Should they put away the mirror which discovers these defects? No; the sins which they cherish, which the faithful mirror shows them as existing in their characters, will close before them the portals of heaven, unless they are put away, and they become perfect before God. (Review and Herald, March 8, 1870)
The part man has to act in the salvation of the soul, is to believe on Jesus Christ as a perfect Redeemer, not for some other man, but for his own self. He is to trust, to love, to fear the God of heaven. There is a certain work to be accomplished. Man must be delivered from the power of sin. He must be made perfect in every good work. In doing the words of Christ is his only assurance that his house is built upon the solid foundation. To hear, to say, to preach, and not to do the words of Christ, is building upon the sand. Those who do the words of Christ will perfect a Christian character, because Christ's will is their will. Thus is Christ formed within, the hope of glory. They are beholding, as in a glass, the glory of God. By making Christ the subject of meditation, he will become the subject of conversation; and by beholding, we will actually be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord. Man, fallen man, may be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that he can "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." How does he prove this?--By the Holy Spirit taking possession of his mind, spirit, heart, and character. Where does the proving come in?--"We are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men." A real work is wrought by the Holy Spirit upon the human character, and its fruits are seen; just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord's garden produce good fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the soul temple. The tendencies, which have been biased in a wrong direction, are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are rooted out. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. An entire transformation has taken place. This is the work to be wrought. We see by experience that in our own human strength, resolutions and purposes are of no avail. Must we, then, give up?--No; although our experience testifies that we cannot possibly do this work ourselves, help has been laid upon One who is mighty to do it for us. But the only way that we can secure the help of God is to put ourselves wholly in his hands, and trust him to work for us. As we lay hold of him by faith, he does the work. The believer can only trust. As God works, we can work, trusting in him and doing his will. {Pamphlet 28 page 8.2 February 13, 1890}
All who receive the messages that the Lord sends to purify and cleanse them from all habits of disobedience to His commandments and conformity to the world, and who repent of their sins and reform, looking to God for help and walking in the way of obedience to His commandments, will receive divine help to correct their evil course of action. But those who apparently repent and seek the Lord, yet do not put away the evil of their doings, will not only disappoint themselves, but when their course is placed before them in symbols or parables, they will feel shame and sorrow because they have disappointed the Lord. They have hoped and trusted in their own course of action. As a people they have been reproved, and yet they have not put away the evil works that called for reproof. (Manuscript 65, 1912)
Until the heart is surrendered unconditionally to God, the human agent is not abiding in the True Vine, and cannot flourish in the Vine, and bear rich clusters of fruit. God will not make the slightest compromise with sin. If He could have done this, Christ need not have come to our world to suffer and die. No conversion is genuine which does not change both the character and the conduct of those who accept the truth. The truth works by love, and purifieth the soul. (Letter 31a, 1894)
As representative of the fallen race, Christ passed over the same ground on which Adam stumbled and fell. By a life of perfect obedience to God's law, Christ redeemed man from the penalty of Adam's disgraceful fall. Man has violated God's law. Only for those who return to their allegiance to God, only for those who obey the law that they have violated, will the blood of Christ avail. Christ will never become a party to sin. Bearing the penalty of the law, He gives the sinner another chance, a second trial. He opens a way whereby the sinner can be reinstated in God's favor. Christ bears the penalty of man's past transgressions, and by imparting to man His righteousness, makes it possible for man to keep God's holy law. (Manuscript 126, 1901)
Jesus gave a warning to the man at Bethesda in John 5:14 saying, "sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 214)
None who have had the light of truth will enter the city of God as commandment breakers. His law lies at the foundation of His government in earth and in heaven. If they have knowingly trampled upon and despised His law on the earth, they will not be taken to heaven to do the same work there; there is no change of character when Christ comes. The character building is to go on during the hours of probation. Day by day their actions are registered in the books of heaven, and they will, in the great day of God, be rewarded as their works have been. It will then be seen who receives the blessing. "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" (Review and Herald, Aug. 25, 1885)
In the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment, and have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them to remembrance. Great Controversy p. 620 (1911).
It is sin that alienates from God. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whoso sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." To every one who surrenders fully to God is given the privilege of living without sin, in obedience to the law of heaven. "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." God requires of us perfect obedience. We are to purify ourselves, even as he is pure. By keeping his commandments, we are to reveal our love for the Supreme Ruler of the universe. {Review and Herald, September 27, 1906 par. 3-6}
You may still feel as the majority that it is impossible to lead a sinless life. Whenever your eternal life depends on it, it's better to go with the more stricter view than to go with the easier and broad view because, should I be wrong you will still see me in heaven but should you be wrong, I won't see you there.
As you can imagine, this is not a popular truth. In this culture and time in our society, people don't want to hear that they transgress the laws of God, that they are sinners. They don't want to hear that they need to repent, confess their sins, accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, change their ways and take up their cross. That to truly love our neighbor means putting them first, before us. They just want to hear "sermons" telling us how God will bless us, how to live better lives, how to get what we want, how to achieve our goals, retire and live comfortably because "we deserve it."
Most people do not like self discipline, discomfort or change. They would rather go on living powerless lives because it is "easier." Think back about a hundred years ago in America. Many people went to church on Sundays. Fasting and praying were a regular part of the christian life. Bible was taught in public schools and teachers and students prayed together. There were bible salesmen selling bibles door to door. The crimes you hear going on daily in our schools were a rare occurance even in large cities. Rampant immorality is seen daily on tv and in the movies, sung about in music, displayed in the lives of politcians and those in the media. Where is the outcry?! How far we have fallen!
This is not an exhaustive study on this subject and only certain points were brought up.
We have a solemn warning from the word of God. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6 Let us truly take the time to study God's word and know what it says.
For more information, please see the link below for an excellent article on this subject.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1John 3:6-9
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Exodus 20:20 NIV
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2Peter 1:2-11 NIV
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1Peter 1:14-16 NIV
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24,25
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1Corinthians 6:9,10
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21
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A Perfect Life?
