Why do people assume that a christian has to be perfect and not allowed to sin?

Question

To be a Christian, does that automatically make them perfect? It seems people think that when a Christian sins or makes a mistake then they are hypocrites. I know there are some extremists in Christianity, but are there some in every walk of life?

Answer 1

If we'd been able to make ourselves perfect without Christ's ransom sacrifice, there would have been no reason for either Christ or his Father to suffer it! Of course, no human alive is perfect. So -- without the sacrifice of Jesus -- we'd have no hope. So, out of love for us, they both made the ultimate sacrifice. ... If you'd like to know more about how I feel on this subject, a favorite article of mine on the subject is:

How to Make Real Friends :
.. We All Need Friends
.... Satisfying Our Hunger for Friendship
...... Good Friends - Bad Friends
........ A Note to Parents
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/12/8/article_01.htm

I agree with everything it says -- Wholeheartedly -- including the part about whether or not we should expect perfection in others!

Answer 2

Isn't it funny how folks who are against Christianity anyhow will use a Christian sinning as a way to bash the entire set up of religion... like we are supposed to be perfect just because we follow or believe or preach the message of God about his son? I am associated with Jehovah's Witnesses, and one person on this forum didn't appreciate my anwer and looked me up on my 360 page, and had really UGLY things to say and went on and on about how my choice of movies and books (CSI, Beloved by Toni Morrison,etc) was so horrible and it was a wonder the elders in my congregation hadn't disfellowshipped me yet. People get SOOO belligerent, don't you think?

Answer 3

It is a natural assumption -- natural, as in human nature.

Jesus taught that his disciples need to strive for perfection ("as [our] Father in heaven is perfect"). And some have turned to Scriptures such as where Jesus saved the adulteress from being stoned to death, and misunderstand Christ's meaning of, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."

Christians are not perfect yet, but are to strive for that perfect Way of life. Otherwise, there would be no need for grace!

Jesus was speaking of CONDEMNING, yet some have mistakenly believed that he was speaking of JUDGING.

We are ALL condemned by our sins; for "all have sinned," and "the soul that sins, it shall die." And that includes all the prophets and patriarchs and apostles; "ALL have sinned."

But that doesn't preclude God from using us sinners for pronouncing the judgement upon mankind.

Pointing out to others the need to change their way of life is not supposed to be an ego trip, but a sign of love. For true Christians love all of God's creation, and don't want to see any perish.

So, it is this misunderstanding between condemnation and judgement, and the false belief that Christians must be perfect before telling anyone else of their need to change, that has lead to an assumption of perfection.

The thing that sets Christians apart from the rest of humanity is not their sinlessness, but their changed motivation TOWARDS sinlessness.

Answer 4

I agree, I am a christian and I am FAR from being perfect. One of the things that I always admit is that I am a sinner. But, I am saved by God's grace and I try my best not to sin.

Answer 5

Not a one of us is perfect and I certainly cannot hold others to a standard that I myself cannot achieve. We are human creatures, born with a sinful nature due to original sin, and we will sin. We thank God for His love and forgiveness when we sin and ask to be forgiven. Anyone who expects any other human being to be perfect, whether Christian or not, is not being realistic and is,in fact, being judgemental of others in holding to a standard they themselves cannot achieve.

Answer 6

Given the fact the majority of people who publicly and loudly condemn other people for their "sins" are Christians, it is obvious Christians believe themselves to be without sin.

I recall some vague bible passages about only people without sin casting the first stone and another one about motes and beams blinding people,.

If a person isn't without sin, he has no authority or right to condemn anyone else.

So sayeth the book of mythology.

Answer 7

some christian are not real and some christians just use other for money i'm a christian and i'm doing the right thing. When people say they are chrisitan they really not it takes patience to be a christian and if you curse or whatever thats not christian like .

Answer 8

In God's eyes all those that have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, are perfect in God's sight. When God looks at us He sees Jesus Christ. Now once we become His children we are called to be holy as Jesus is holy. When we sin we grieve the Holy Spirit. And we certainly don't want to hurt our Saviour after all He has done for us. I John 2:1
People only think we are hypocrites because they are looking for an excuse themselves not to do what God has asked them to do. You also have to consider the natural man does not understand the things of God for they are spiritually discerned(that means they need to have the Holy Spirit in them to understand).

What we need to concern ourselves with is what does Jesus think of us and not what others think.


http://www.revivalfirespub.org/gospel.html

Answer 9

Christianity doesn't make someone perfect, just forgiven and renewed (not to mention provided with a way to eternal life!). And by having a personal relationship with God, we desire to be changed and become more like him.

Answer 10

Being a Christian does not make you perfect. Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven.