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Volume 18 – Issue 2 – September 24th, 2017
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The Old “Nobody’s Perfect” Excuse By: Brian A. Yeager Most of us have heard and some of us have even erred in saying, “nobody’s perfect.” Generally, this statement is made when someone does something wrong and they are looking to justify their actions by lowering the standard with a blanket condemnation on everyone else. The Lord does not accept the excuses of mankind (Genesis 3:1-24, Matthew 25:1-30, Luke 14:16-24, and Romans 1:18-2:3).
When a person makes a statement or implication that perfection is impossible they are abundantly ignorant in several ways. Wasn’t Jesus perfect? At one time in life, men such as Noah and Job were perfect too. We will also study how that IF someone errs, they can be made perfect again through proper confession and repentance. We will see, in the Scriptural study we are about to begin, that we must be perfect ourselves. Let’s start our study off with the fact that perfection has occurred in this life.
They Were Perfect
Concerning Noah and Job, while not perfect all the days of their lives, they were up to certain extended points in their lives. The word of God says: “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth… There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Genesis 6:9-10 and Job 1:1). This proves that man can be perfect. It is not impossible.
Jesus taught that sinners are to be converted and become as little children (Matthew 18:1-4). The innocence of a child is a standard for us all to consider (I Corinthians 14:20). Such is true because children are perfect. They are sinless. They are without error. Sin does not occur by God’s design. Sin occurs when people grow up to seek out their own ways and they follow them (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
Jesus proves that perfection is possible too. Jesus, while being deity in the flesh (Matthew 1:23, John 1:1-5, and Romans 9:1-5), lived a sinless life upon this earth ( I John 3:1-5). The inspired record states: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). Upon His second coming, He will still be “without sin” (Hebrews 9:28). Therefore, no one can say “nobody’s perfect.” That is an absolute lie!
The fact that Jesus lived a sinless life is not something we should dismiss. His sinless life is an attainable example for us. Consider this: “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” (I Peter 2:21-22). When you are living the faithful life of a disciple of the Lord you are not sinning (I John 3:6-10). This is not an ideal scenario. God expects perfection out of those of us who proclaim we are Christians.
God Expects Perfection
Jesus directly commands that His followers be perfect (Matthew 5:48). That language is used after the death of Christ as well. Consider this: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (II Corinthians 13:11). The Scriptures teach us to be perfect (II Timothy 3:14-17). We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1). IF, not when, you might err from the faith it is possible to return to a perfect, sinless state.
Returning To Perfection IF Sin Occurs
It is never okay to sin (John 8:1-11 and I Corinthians 15:34). God’s grace does not exist so that we can seek advantage from God’s forgiving nature (Romans 6:1-2). What God has provided, in the event that a disciple of our Lord might err, is Jesus as an advocate for us (I John 2:1). What Jesus does for us is give us the opportunity to own up to our sins and confess them for forgiveness (I John 1:8-9). What that has always meant, even under the Law of Moses, is that a sinner must acknowledge his or her transgression to the Lord and fully repent of that sin (II Chronicles 7:14, Proverbs 28:13, Ezekiel 14:6, Ezekiel 33:14-15, Matthew 3:6-10, Matthew 21:28-32, Luke 13:1-5, Luke 19:1-10, Acts 26:18-20, Romans 2:4-7, etc.). So, even if you or I did fail God by erring, we can be restored to perfection as God would remember our sin no more (Hebrews 8:1-13).
Conclusion
Every faithful disciple of Christ is perfect. Every infant and child that has not known sin is perfect. That has been Scripturally proven in this article! If you proclaim to be a Christian, and you are not perfect, consider these words: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (II Timothy 2:19).
© 2017 This material may not be used for sale or other means to have financial gain. Use this as a tool for your own studies if such is helpful! Preachers are welcome to this work, but please do not use my work so that you can be lazy and not do your own studies. – Brian A. Yeager |
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