Is Being Holy Also Being Perfect?

It seems that we Christians are always beating ourselves for our sins. That's not God's plan for us.

He doesn't want us to live defeated lives. He doesn't want us to act like paupers in His presence. He wants us to act like His children. He wants us to know that Jesus died for all our sins. He wants us to know we are forgiven. He wants us to know His righteousness.

This, however, does not give us a license to do whatever we want. We are to "be holy because He is holy," as Peter tells us. We are to live lives which will honor our Lord. We are to be devoted to Him. We are to be saints by the way we act and how we are called. Yet, this does not mean that we are or will be perfect by our own power. It does not mean that there will be a sinless future on this earth. It does not mean that a greater effort will result in a perfect person.

Our "holiness" is one that keeps getting up after we have fallen down. It is one which we realize grace because of the grace given to us daily. It is one in which we give grace to others because we are no better than they. It is one of gratefulness. It takes sin seriously because sin is confessed. It is called evil and is known to have fallen short of His glory. The person who is truly holy recognizes his or her sins.

Our holiness comes through the righteousness of Jesus. It is He who cleanses us. It is He who keeps us in God's grace. It is His sacrifice that made all this possible.

Trying to be perfect is such a terrible way to live. It results in too many failures. It results in such a depressed life.

I am not perfect but I have been made holy by the blood of Jesus. I am forgiven. I confess and I know His righteousness.

1 John 1:9-10 (ESV)

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.