Is Perfection Possible?
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.
1 John 1:8
The false doctrine of perfectionism teaches that there is some point following conversion when the believer’s sin nature is eradicated. But according to today’s verse and especially in the apostle Paul’s treatment of the subject in Philippians 3:12-16, perfection in this life is only a goal, not an achievement. We must pursue it, but we’ll never attain it while on earth.
Paul denied perfectionism by calling us to pursue a prize that can be fully obtained only in heaven. He confessed that he himself had not reached perfection—and he wrote to the Philippians nearly thirty years after his conversion! He was perhaps the most committed Christian who ever lived. If after thirty years he wasn’t perfect, certainly none of us should claim to be.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 145). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
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1 John 1:8
The false doctrine of perfectionism teaches that there is some point following conversion when the believer’s sin nature is eradicated. But according to today’s verse and especially in the apostle Paul’s treatment of the subject in Philippians 3:12-16, perfection in this life is only a goal, not an achievement. We must pursue it, but we’ll never attain it while on earth.
Paul denied perfectionism by calling us to pursue a prize that can be fully obtained only in heaven. He confessed that he himself had not reached perfection—and he wrote to the Philippians nearly thirty years after his conversion! He was perhaps the most committed Christian who ever lived. If after thirty years he wasn’t perfect, certainly none of us should claim to be.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 145). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Listen to this entry
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