If Christians are perfect already, then why does Paul urge us to “grow in every way into Him who is the head — Christ?” His admonition makes no sense if we have accomplished the ultimate state, i.e. sinless-ness, i.e. holi-ness. Yes, we are declared sinless, we are positioned in Christ as holy, but we continue to make mistakes because we are still contending with the ‘flesh’ — what is that anyway? Some might say the ‘flesh’ is the sinful nature, the ‘old man.’ Or, perhaps the ‘flesh’ is as simple as ‘we are born human, not divine.’ I know — I hear the protest — that sounds like an excuse for sin. Rest assured, there is no excuse for sin. We shouldn’t say, “Well, it’s Adam and Eve’s fault, you know.” Nor should we deny that we sin. Instead, God calls us to confess our sins one to another. If we don’t sin, how then can we confess?
And so, we are called to “speak the truth in love.” The truth is God asks us to “grow in every way” underneath and within Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Healer and Coming King.
“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ.”
Excellent teaching. I would love to link to this; some things are just better said by others.
Clark, feel free to link back to my post — see “Copyright Notice” for information. I really appreciate it. Blessings! Carley (aka lambskinny).
Thank you Joe. I am humbled.
When I became a Christian 53 years ago, my life was changed completely. I became a ‘new creation’ and everyone who knew me noted the change. However, the change didn’t stop there. The change continues.
God has a purpose for us and I believe it is clearly stated in Ephesians 4:13 “Till we come . . . unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” or as the Amplified puts it: “nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection” (Christlikeness)
One day Christ will present me to Himself holy and without blemish (Eph 5:27) but that day is not in this lifetime.
No, Christians are not perfect. Yes, we need to grow and we WILL grow as we feed on the Word, depend on the Lord, and serve Him wholeheartedly as He leads.
What an amazing God!
Yes, He is amazing. Thanks Meeting in the Clouds. Carley
Very good, Carley! Maybe the most down to earth and sensible reasoning on this topic that I’ve heard. Thanks friend… God bless.
Thanks Michael. Your opinion means a lot to me. Blessings dear friend and p.s. thanks for your prayers! Carley
Thank you Jeff. Blessings!
Hello; and thank you But I’m Beautiful.