UNDERSTANDING THE POSSIBILITY OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION
JULY 16,2025
TEXT: Colossians 1:21–23
KEY VERSE: “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.” (Colossians 1:21)
Many people think that God’s command to be perfect is impossible to obey. This is often because they misunderstand what Christian perfection really means. It is not about having a sharp memory like Adam had when he named all the animals. It is not like the angels who have never sinned. It is also not the same as God’s own perfect nature—God cannot even be tempted by sin. But Christian perfection is different. It is for people who once lived in sin but have now been saved and changed by God’s grace.
Christian perfection means having perfect love—a love that is free from jealousy, anger, pride, or pretending. It means having a heart that has been made clean and a life that pleases God in every way. This kind of life goes beyond just being saved from sin. It includes having pure thoughts, good motives, right desires, and godly actions. Just like many sinners doubt they can be free from sin, many believers who are not yet sanctified doubt they can live a holy life. But it is possible by the power of God.
This journey toward perfection starts when we turn to God in repentance and put our faith in Jesus Christ. Without true salvation, no one can live a righteous life. Our minds are too weak and sinful. But when we accept Christ, everything changes. As Colossians 1:21–22 says, even though we were once far from God and did wrong things, Jesus made peace through His death on the cross. He brings us close to God again and gives us a new heart that can follow Him.
Salvation is only the beginning. God wants us to keep growing. Hebrews 6:1 tells us to go on to perfection, not just stay at the starting point. God’s plan is to make every believer holy and blameless in His sight. This is not something we can do by trying hard, but by trusting in what Jesus has done and receiving more of His grace. God never gives us a command without also giving us the strength to obey it. His call to be perfect is possible through Him.
Christian perfection is not about never facing temptation. It is about having God’s love and holiness in our hearts. It starts when we are saved, but it must continue as we grow. We were not only saved to escape hell but to become more like Jesus every day. If God commands us to be perfect, then His grace can make it happen. Let that be your goal—not just to be saved, but to grow into the full beauty of Christ’s character.
SEARCH LIGHT: You are not just saved to escape hell but to grow into Christlike perfection through grace.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for making perfection possible through Christ. Purify my heart, transform my thoughts, and guide me daily toward the fullness of Your holiness. Amen.
BIBLE READING: Psalms 129-131, Revelation 3
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
