Yet many people think that becoming a Christian (by baptism of faith in Jesus name leads to Jesus Christ) leads to 'being a perfect Christian'. And if you also receive Spirit and Gifts by the laying on of hands that you have become truly perfect. However, the practical truth is that you keep your own will and your own choice. And that Satan also deceives people. In short: sinning remains possible; asking forgiveness from GOD in Jesus name or with Jesus directly remains happy also possible.
And let us not forget the biblical practice of Jesus, apostles and prophets:
- Jesus feared what awaited him; he was sweating blood and even asked God to let this cup pass him by ... (Luke 22: 42-44) Jesus did not want to help the woman from Kana at first, but when she pointed out to him that "the dogs eat the crumbs of their master's table" he came to different views and helped her. Thus Jesus came to other insights that he did not first have ... (Matthew 15: 22-28)
- Peter, like the other disciples, had power to go out to heal, to cast out evil spirits, to teach, etc., and he saw Jesus doing wonders daily. And yet he denied Jesus to 3 times ... (Mark 14:72 )
- Christian communities were, among other things, severely addressed by Paul on sinful behavior, even though they had really become Christians ...
- Prophets often show behavior in the Bible that we would call 'depressive' or 'anxious' today. A prophet is even called the "crying prophet." The prophet Jonah came across as arrogant, haughty, and revengeful. And Jesus sweated blood for fear of what awaited him ...
In the Bible it is often the Pharisees, scribes, kings and Romans who displayed themselves as perfect. People who often had a lot of money, wore expensive clothes, were educated and considered themselves perfect. Fooling and just appearances according to Jesus. Would there be a lesson for the people of today who try to lead such a perfect life and so think or want to be a Christian?!?
It is important to know that God sees Christians perfectly in Christ because of the cross offering so that they can continue to receive forgiveness, provided they know that they are not perfect in a perfect life. That they do indeed commit wrongdoings against God, Commandment and therefore their fellow human beings. Maybe even against their own body. And that they really need that forgiveness; every day!
It is even more important to realize being a Christian that you also have to be there for fellow human beings and in that way following Jesus and disciples / apostles. On the one hand, that you should stay clean of sins so ask for forgiveness for your daily sins. On the other hand, that you are there for that fellow being (Hebrews 10: 23-24). And not as the (fake) perfect teacher like the Pharisees from the Bible, but just as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 33-37). Just as Jesus was for the sick, the lame, the lepers, the people with mental illness, the poor, and so on. Providing help does not mean that you are their superior and they minor or subordinate to you. What would that way of thinking and operating mean if you were to come across as a Christian ?!
- Would you, if you are anxious, be labeled as an unbeliever?
- Would you, if you become depressed, become a less Christian?
- Would you if you become ill, be branded a sinner?
Christians are and will remain people with their own will and a daily need of forgiveness of sin and therefore ask for it in prayer. And to the other family in Christ they do not pretend to be perfect. It is important to be there for the other person and that is best done on an equal basis. Communicating is better. Comparison is then possible. And thus you are a worthy example to others after Christ and apostles.
Read more about:
Praying in a Biblical way
Jesus
Becoming, being- & staying a Christian