Matthew 5:48 – “You be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect”
Does this mean Jesus was teaching holiness perfection in the sense that men could reach sinlessness in this life on earth before death? What does the Bible teach? When we let Scripture interpret Scripture we have the correct interpretation? You may be asking, “Then why even try to become perfect?” Because God commands us so.
The word “perfect” (teleioi) in the context of this verse means, “having attained the end or aim,” “brought to completion, full-grown, mature, lacking in nothing.” We should not be satisfied with halfway obedience to Christ. To be perfect is to reach the goal for which a person was designed. Jesus calls His disciples to become mature, reaching the high standard God has for them.
Do we become sinlessly perfect so that we never sin again in this life? No. We will sin and God has provided a cleansing that works and restores our fellowship with God. In the Christian life, we always have before us something for which to strive. No matter how far we have progressed in our spiritual life there is still more to conquer. We must bring every thought, every attitude, and every behavior into subjection to Christ.
It’s a brand new day! Keep enjoying Kharis!
Pastor Josh Laryea