Does God really expect people to be perfect?

Question

If not than why does Matthew 5:48(NIV) say this: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Answer 1

God knows we can't be perfect. If we could, there would have been no need to send His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins because we would not sin and would therefore be able to go to Heaven no matter what. I read the whole chapter of Matthew 5 and I believe if you read the verses just before it, you will see that God is not referring to us being perfect, but that we demonstrate "perfect love". While the Bible doesn't say "have perfect love as your heavenly Father does", it implies that God's love is perfect and that we ought to demonstrate perfect love towards all people. Perfect love is demonstrated when a person earns that love and when he/she doesn't. It is unconditional. I believe the verse you are referring to is telling us to love one another unconditionally. I've pasted the verses below my answer so that you can see what I mean. I know that many people hate it when we Christians cut and paste, but I am doing that here to help clarify, hopefully, what the verse meant.

Matthew 5:43-48
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Answer 2

Hi Just Curious,

First God's standard is perfection. Because we all fall short of God, this is why we put our faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice and so because of His sinlessness we are redeemed by His work on the cross through faith.

The word perfect in Matthew 5:48 is better translated "mature" in the original Greek. But it's a reminder that God will help us to become more and more like His Son Jesus Christ and will grow us into His likeness (character wise). It also is a promise that when we stand face-to-face with God we will spend an eternity with God because He will look upon Jesus' righteousness as if it were our own.

Hope that helps, feel free to email if any clarification is required.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

NO !!!!!
GOD KNOWS that human being will never be perfect by all means.

Unless, perfect as human being which is not perfect. If perfect means live with no passion, it would be impossible. But if perfect means live in balance , I would think God expect that.

Human being, just like other animals, have passion ; But as human has brain , they can control their act .

Another way of looking at it :
We are already perfect , we have body, soul and thought.
Perfect human using the three elements in balance.

I dont know why Matthew said that above, because we will never ever be perfect like God, it is just like saying orange should be perfect like apple. It would be impossible.

That's how I think.

Answer 4

We that are saved are washed in the blood of Christ. The term born again Christians is "we are not perfect just forgiven. Rev. C.I.Scofield in his study Bible states, " The word implies full development, growth into maturity of godliness, not sinless perfection. In this passage the Father's kindness, not His sinlessness, is the point in question. Also see Ephesians4:12,13, also Luke 6:35,36

Answer 5

He does not want us to be forcefully perfect. That is impossible, and He knows it. He only expects us to know the importance of this human body, which He has so graciously given to us. He wants us to find a true saint to help us, because He knows that the intellectual capacity of even the most genious, can not reveal the actual truth.

Answer 6

The word perfect in that verse does not refer to being without sin. Rather, it refers to spiritual maturity. Technically, the Greek word is "telios" referring to something that fits a part. We are called to fit into society and be an influence for God.

Answer 7

My understanding from those who believe is that only God is perfect, and humans should strive for perfection, although they will never quite attain it. Of course "perfection" means different things to different people.

Answer 8

God knows we are weak in these human bodies.That is why he sent Jesus,so we wouldn't have to sacrifice a lamb everytime we say a cuss word!
He wants us to be as perfect as we can & have a like mind as He does.Inotherwords,think good ,clean,pure & important thoughts!Not "When does hooters open","How drunk can I get this weekend",or"How many ppl can I kill before I am shot to death or shoot myself?"

Answer 9

Oh, my, is that as far as you have gotten? gods don't 'expect' anything of anyone... any more than the gods of the Navajo expect you to jump into a canyon and fly as a eagle before you reach the bottom... hello???

Yup, I'll agree with Johnny and Q.

Answer 10

Character perfection is a process. But we are to strive for it. But we can only achieve it through Christ's help and grace.