Defined and Examined

Is it possible to be perfect?

The word possibility means something is possible. Something is possible if it is something that can be achieved, attained, acquired, or accomplished. But possibility is not certainty. A change is needed, or work or pursuit are required. Some things may seem possible, and yet they are impossible. Even the impossible, however, can be possible if one believes in God and in miracles.

What is Possible or Impossible Regarding God?

It is possible to know there is a God if a person is willing to look around. The Apostle Paul said this was the case in Romans chapter one. “For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

Many have created a substitute called evolution. I don’t deny that some things evolve or change, but I don’t use the word evolution to describe what I see. I see variation that stays within some boundaries designed by God. Those who delight in evolution as a way to deny God’s existence will someday be sorely disappointed.

Rodents don’t create insects. Insects don’t create reptiles. Reptiles don’t create fish. Etc

You and I Cannot Please God – It is Impossible

Jesus told his listeners on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5 verse 48 that they had to be perfect just like God the Father. That is impossible. Paul talks about that in Romans chapter eight: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8 It is not a possibility that I can somehow measure up to God’s standard. If the story ended there, it would be a frightening state.

Escaping Condemnation is Possible

Perfection is possible. Perfection is a possibility. Romans chapter eight starts with some encouraging truth that flows from Genesis 3:15, through the entire Old Testament, and climaxes in the four Gospels. It is possible to escape condemnation.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-5

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

A follower of Jesus has remarkable peace in a God who can be trusted. Furthermore, they know they can do all things through Christ who gives the strength to accomplish the work and complete the race.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.