“Our problem with being human in seeing that we are perfect as we are and the world is perfect as it is are these two definitions of perfection.”
K. Ferlic

“I have no faith in human perfectibility. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active—not more happy—nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.”
Edgar Allan Poe

“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.”
Michael J. Fox

Roger Housden said, “The Christian West, with its concept of original sin, is founded on the idea that something is inherently wrong with us...Yet there is another view, common in the Zen and Taoist traditions, that insists we are already perfect exactly as we are—blemishes and all.” In our previous blog, Shedding the Colored Glass: Discovering Clarity, we discussed how we can view ourselves and the world around us through the lens of our preconceived notions and biases. One such colored lens is the perspective that we all possess an image of perfection that we can never attain and, thus, we should, rather see ourselves as born perfect and are then positioned to accept ourselves for the way we are. However, this premise is based on the perspectives of fallible humans as opposed to the infallible perfection found in Jesus. The Bible provides clear insight and teaching relevant to the statement “We are already perfect exactly as we are.” Although we cannot gain perfection through our endeavors, the Scriptures reveal God’s grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Within the confines of this blog, we shall embark upon a profound exploration of the scriptural stance concerning the essence of human nature and the shadow of sin, the imperative yearning for redemption, the relentless chase after sanctity, and the unwavering tether of reliance upon the Divine.

Human Nature and Sin
The Bible elucidates that all human beings are born with a sinful nature. Those who are not in Christ are sons of disobedience and by nature children of wrath (Psalm 51:5, Psalm 58:3, Ephesians 2:2-3). Scripture confirms that all humanity is totally depraved; “we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6a, ESV). Genesis 8:21 further reinforces the idea of total depravity of all people by stating “...the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth,” (ESV) and “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child” (Proverbs 22:15a, ESV). Scripture further teaches that we inherited this sinful nature through Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:12), when sin entered the world, and impacts all humanity, regardless of background, status, personal achievements or moral character: “One trespass led to condemnation for all men” (Romans 5:18, ESV). Scripture also teaches that the consequences of sin are severe, leading to spiritual death (Romans 6:23), imperfection, and separation from a holy and perfect God (Romans 3:23). Thus, because of our sinful nature, we are unable to do good in order to please God (Romans 8:8), our actions warrant punishment, and highlights the desperate need for redemption. Therefore, unless we are born again by the Spirit, we will never see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Redemption through Jesus Christ
In John 3, we encounter a Pharisee named Nicodemus who acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God. He recognizes that the signs performed by Jesus are a testament to God’s presence with Him. Jesus responds to Nicodemus by stating that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born again (verses 5-6). Despite Nicodemus’ position as a teacher of Israel, he struggles to grasp the concept Jesus is trying to convey. To help Nicodemus understand, Jesus explains that God’s love for the world is so immense that He gave His only Son not to condemn the world but to save it. Those who reject Jesus are already condemned because they did not believe in the name of the only Son of God (John 3:18). In essence, Jesus is emphasizing that due to our fallen nature, a price or ransom had to be paid as a penalty for sin (Psalm 26:11; 49:7; 103:8; 130:8; Isaiah 1:27; 59:20). In the Old Testament, this ransom took the form of animal sacrifices as substitutes (Exodus 13:13; 34:20). However, Jesus, as the Redeemer, becomes the ultimate substitute who rescues us from the domain of darkness and transfers us into God’s Kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). Paul further affirms that redemption comes through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, resulting in reconciliation with God and forgiveness of our sins (2 Corinthians 5:19). It is crucial to understand that while Jesus has paid for all sins for all time, we must personally accept and believe in Him to appropriate this ransom. Paul emphasizes in Romans 10:9-10 that with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved. The good news of salvation is a gift from God, not earned through personal effort or merit, but justified through a response of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1).

The Pursuit of Holiness
No human can meet God’s perfect standard and would be eternally lost without a supernatural Savior to rescue us (Acts 15:10; Romans 3:9–23). Yes, we can never measure up, but thanks be to God that we do not have to do so in ourselves. When the Father looks on us, He sees us through the lens of Christ’s righteousness and not our imperfections (Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 8:12). This gift, however, is not an invitation to complacency. Rather, it calls us to embrace our new creation in Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:16-18) and disentangle ourselves from worldly influences by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). Though freed from sin’s shackles, relentless pursuit of holiness remains our mandate as we align our lives to God’s flawless standard. This pursuit relies not on our own strength but the Holy Spirit’s transformative power (Galatians 5:16). 1 Peter 1:13-16 reminds us to be clear-headed, prepare our minds for action, and place our hope in the grace we will receive when Jesus Christ is revealed. To be obedient children, not controlled by the desires we had before we knew better. Instead, to “be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (ESV). Philippians 3:12-14 calls us to conform to Christ’s image with determined effort, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (ESV),

Humility and Dependence
The statement “We Are Perfect As We Are” implies freedom from error and the need for improvement. Some may intend to affirm self-worth and individuality by accepting flaws without striving for perfection. This perspective sees perfection as a subjective journey toward self- actualization rather than pursuing an unreachable ideal. However, Matthew 5:48 establishes God’s perfection as the model we are called to emulate. Though Scripture acknowledges human limitations, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 clarifies that our sufficiency is from God, not ourselves. Philippians 3:12-16 Paul says that he has not gained perfection (resurrection from the dead), but that maturity lies in adopting a mindset of striving towards the goal, forgetting the past, being steadfast in what we have achieved, and focused on what lies ahead in pursuit of God’s call. In times of failure, Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s power is made manifest in our moments of weakness when we rely on Him. James 1:2- 4 encourages us to be joyful when we meet trials for “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (ESV). Hebrews 10 speaks of how the law could not make perfect those who draw near, but now, through Christ, who offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (vs 12-14, ESV).


Our discussion has established the biblical truths about human sinfulness, the need for redemption, the pursuit of holiness, and our dependence on God. In light of these themes, the statement “We are perfect as we are” does not align with scriptural teaching. Though every person is valued and loved by God, the Bible presents perfection as found through a dynamic relationship with the Father, a bond forged by faith in Christ and enriched through sanctification. As we journey toward spiritual maturity, may our souls draw near the fountainhead of God’s grace, surrendering to His lead. In this journey, we unfurl our wings, basking in the radiance of liberation through redemption. Each step aspires toward a life that upholds and magnifies the honor and glory of our Creator. Let us fix our gaze upon the One who breathed life into our being, embracing His transformative power. As we walk in faith toward the day we see Him face to face, my friend, take heart, you are loved by our perfect Father. Though we all stumble, His grace abounds. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Continue pursuing holiness while resting in the righteousness of Christ. The day of His return draws near. Take courage and press onward!