There is much discussion on the subject of perfection: Are we supposed to be perfect? What does “perfect” mean? Is it possible to be perfect? When will this “miracle” happen? We offer the following study to help clarify some of these issues. It presents Bible verses along with quotes from Ellen G. White’s writings. We pray that you are blessed and enlightened.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 KJV
Ye shall therefore be perfect, as your Father who is in the heavens is perfect. Matthew 5:48 YLT
- How holy or righteous are we at birth?
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Job 14:4
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans 3:19
Adam was created a pure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and he did fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with inherent propensities of disobedience. SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1128
It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God’s law. Steps to Christ, 62
Even Adam was not totally “perfect”; he was “to form a righteous character.”
- How many have yielded to their natural propensities to wrong?
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
- How perfect, or holy, must we be if we are to be saved in God’s kingdom?
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14
He who enters heaven must have a character that is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Naught that defileth can ever enter there. In all the redeemed host not one defect will be seen. Messages to Young People, 144
- After Christ forgives our sins and covers us with His robe of righteousness, how perfect or holy are we in God’s sight?
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Romans 4:5-7
Through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned. SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1142
Through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice, we may stand before God pure and spotless, our sins atoned for and pardoned. . . . The redeemed sinner, clothed in the robes of Christ’s righteousness, may stand in the presence of a sin-hating God, made perfect by the merits of the Saviour. Signs of the Times, 3/15/05
Jesus continues: . . . I will be your representative in heaven. The father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My perfection. The Desire of Ages, 357
- Even though, in one sense, we may be considered perfect at conversion, what is the next part of God’s plan for us?
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized–this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life. Education, 15
God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. The Desire of Ages, 311
When souls are converted, their salvation is not yet accomplished. They then have the race to run. An arduous struggle is before them, to do what?–To “fight the good fight of faith,” . . . The battle is lifelong, and must be carried forward with determination and energy proportionate to the value of the object to be attained, which is eternal life. Review and Herald, 8/25/91
The work of sanctification must go on, not by impulse, but by steady, healthful advances, progressing toward perfection. Review and Herald, 3/5/95
The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven. Review and Herald, 6/4/95
- During our experience as a Christian, does the Lord regard us as perfect or imperfect–or both?
Perfect–
At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. Christ’s Object Lessons, 65
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9
And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Isaiah 38:3
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days. 1 Kings 15:14
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:15
The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. The Sanctified Life, 86
Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. . . . This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. The Great Controversy, 623
Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,–the perfection of his character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, “It is finished.” Review and Herald, 06-10-02
Imperfect–
We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and advance to perfection. Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all. The Acts of the Apostles, 565
Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 339
By growing daily in the divine life, he will not attain to the full stature of a perfect man in Christ until his probation ceases. The growing is a continuous work. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 366
We cannot say, “I am sinless,” till this vile body is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body. But if we constantly seek to follow Jesus, the blessed hope is ours of standing before the throne of God without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; complete in Christ, robed in his righteousness and perfection. Signs of the Times, 03-23-88
So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience. The Acts of the Apostles, 560
The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation. A great work is required of the Christian. We are exhorted to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Here we see where the great labor rests. There is a constant work for the Christian. Every branch in the parent vine must derive life and strength from that vine, in order to yield fruit. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 340
To those who have tried so hard to obtain by faith so-called holy flesh, I would say, You can not obtain it. Not a soul of you has holy flesh now. No human being on the earth has holy flesh. It is an impossibility. . . . And while we can not claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. . . . Thank God that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. General Conference Bulletin 04-23-01
We may create an unreal world in our own mind or picture an ideal church, where the temptations of Satan no longer prompt to evil; but perfection exists only in our imagination. Review and Herald, 08-08-93
Everything human is imperfect. Selected Messages, Book 1, 20
For us to cast off the erring, to treat them coldly, would not be doing as Christ has done for us. We are fallible. We need one another’s pity and consideration and forgiveness. We can not find perfection anywhere, and should not expect it. We must patiently bear with the perversity of men, and try to teach them. Letter B-16-1885
- When Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect,” what did He mean?
Christ presents before us the highest perfection of Christian character which throughout our lifetime we should aim to reach. ‘Be ye therefore perfect,’ He says, ‘even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ Concerning this perfection, Paul writes: ‘Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after. . . .’ MS 148, 1902
The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. The Sanctified Life, 86
With our limited powers we are to be as holy in our sphere as God is holy in his sphere. To the extent of our ability we are to make manifest the truth and love and excellence of the divine character, and for this reason we must draw from the living fountain. As the wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God, and retain the moral image of Christ. We are to become partakers of the divine nature, realizing in our experience the vigor and perfection of spiritual life. Review and Herald, 11-01-92
Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. Medical Ministry, 253
He is our pattern. . . . We cannot equal the pattern; but we shall not be approved of God if we do not copy it and, according to the ability which God has given, resemble it. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 549
- Is this objective–perfection in our sphere of action–an unattainable ideal or a goal which can actually be reached?
Every one who by faith obeys God’s commandments, will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. Signs of the Times, 07-23-02
This example is given us that we may know the heights we may reach in and through Christ. The standard He presents is perfection, and through His merits we may attain to this. We come short because we are content to look at earthly things rather than at heavenly. Signs of the Times, 04-25-00
Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was. The Desire of Ages, 664
He has made it possible for them to perfect Christian character through His name and to overcome on their own account as He overcame in their behalf. He has given them an example in His own life, showing them how they may overcome. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, 365
God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. The Acts of the Apostles, 531
- Does the Lord intend that, by His grace, we shall live a life here and now which is free from sin?
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Jude 1:24
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 2 Peter 2:9
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 144
Christ died to make it possible for you to cease from sin. Review and Herald, 8-28-94
If you will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, faithfully doing His service, you need never yield to temptation; for One stands by your side who is able to keep you from falling. Maranatha, 225
There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. The Desire of Ages, 311
His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God. The Desire of Ages, 24
Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. . . . Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them. The Great Controversy, 489
Christ came to make us partakers of the divine nature, and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin. The Ministry of Healing, 180
By living a sinless life He testified that every son and daughter of Adam can resist the temptations of the one who first brought sin into the world. Selected Messages, Book 1, 226
The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel any one to sin. The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness. Signs of the Times, 10-04-83
Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. The Desire of Ages, 123
- Does this mean that every sinful propensity within us can be subdued?
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The Desire of Ages, 668
Christ came to this world and lived the law of God, that man might have perfect mastery over the natural inclinations which corrupt the soul. . . . Man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, and of “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” and of “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. The Ministry of Healing, 130, 131
We must learn of Christ. We must know what He is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Then we are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful propensity. Review and Herald, 04-24-00
To be pardoned in the way that Christ pardons, is not only to be forgiven, but to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. The Lord says, “A new heart will I give unto thee.” The image of Christ is to be stamped upon the very mind, heart, and soul. The apostle says, “And we have the mind of Christ.” Without the transforming process which can come alone through divine power, the original propensities to sin are left in the heart in all their strength, to forge new chains, to impose a slavery that can never be broken by human power. Review and Herald, 08-19-90
The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ, before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven. The Acts of the Apostles, 273
- Is the Christian who does “not retain one sinful propensity” delivered from the daily struggle with these propensities?
Paul’s sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, “I die daily.” 1 Cor. 15:31. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature. Life Sketches, 237
- Do not some people have more to overcome than others, due to hereditary and environmental factors?
While some are continually harassed, afflicted, and in trouble because of their unhappy traits of character, having to war with internal foes and the corruption of their nature, others have not half so much to battle against. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 74, 75
- Does the Lord allow for these individual differences amongst us? Does He expect all of His children to have an identical Christian experience?
Lead the people to look to Jesus as their only hope and helper; leave the Lord room to work upon the mind, to speak to the soul, and to impress the understanding. It is not essential for you to know and tell others all the whys and wherefores as to what constitutes the new heart, or as to the position they can and must reach so as never to sin. You have no such work to do. All are not constituted alike. Conversions are not all alike. Selected Messages, Book 1, 177
- Can those with the strongest temptations also achieve complete victory over sin?
Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God. Christ’s Object Lessons, 331
In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. The Desire of Ages, 429
- Do those Christians who are living the closest to Christ realize how saintly they are?
The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you. Steps to Christ, 64
The more we contemplate the character of Christ, and the more we experience of His saving power, the more keenly shall we realize our own weakness and imperfection, and the more earnestly shall we look to Him as our strength and our Redeemer. The Sanctified Life, 83
The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. There will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him. At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. The Acts of the Apostles, 561
Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness, and they see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One. The Great Controversy, 470
Those who are really seeking to perfect Christian character will never indulge the thought that they are sinless. The Sanctified Life, 7
The greater the distance between them and their Saviour, the more righteous they appear in their own eyes. The Sanctified Life, 8
No one who claims holiness is really holy. Those who are registered as holy in the books of Heaven are not aware of the fact, and are the last ones to boast of their own goodness. None of the prophets and apostles ever professed holiness, not even Daniel, Paul, or John. The righteous never make such a claim. The more nearly they resemble Christ, the more they lament their unlikeness to him; for their consciences are sensitive, and they regard sin more as God regards it. They have exalted views of God and of the great plan of salvation; and their hearts, humbled under a sense of their own unworthiness, are alive to the honor of being accounted members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the King Eternal. Signs of the Times, 02-26-85
- What is Christ’s attitude toward those who commit sin while sincerely trying to be Christians?
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23, 24
Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. Steps to Christ, 64
Jesus loves His children, even if they err. . . . When they do their best, calling upon God for His help, be assured the service will be accepted, although imperfect. Jesus is perfect. Christ’s righteousness is imputed unto them, and He will say, Take away the filthy garments from him, and clothe him with change of raiment. Jesus makes up for our unavoidable deficiencies. Letter 17a, 1891
When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man’s best service, and he makes up for the deficiency with his own divine merit. Signs of the Times, 06-16-90
If one who daily communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a moment from looking steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins wilfully; for when he sees his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes upon Jesus, and the fact that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God. Review and Herald, 05-12-96
If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, he does not turn from us, and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not like our Saviour. . . . Our faith looks upon him, grasps him as the one who can save to the uttermost, and the fragrance of the all-sufficient offering is accepted of the Father. Review and Herald, 09-01-91
When, through faith in Jesus Christ, man does according to the very best of his ability, and seeks to keep the way of the Lord, by obedience to the ten commandments, the perfection of Christ is imputed to cover the transgression of the repentant and obedient soul. Review and Herald, 08-21-88
- What should the Christian’s attitude be when he falls into sin?
If you make failures and are betrayed into sin, do not feel then you cannot pray . . . but seek the Lord more earnestly. Our High Calling, 49
When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God. Review and Herald, 03-18-90
Do all in your power to gain perfection; but do not think that because you make mistakes you are excluded from God’s service. Messages to Young People, 226
When Satan tells you that the Lord will not regard you with favor, because you have sinned, say, “Jesus gave His life for me. He suffered a cruel death that He might enable me to resist temptation. I know that He loves me, notwithstanding my imperfection. I rest in His love. God has accepted His perfection in my behalf. He is my righteousness, and I trust in His merits. He takes away my sin-stained garments, and clothes me with the robe of His righteousness. Clothed with this garment, I stand before the Father justified.” Signs of the Times, 08-13-02
- Does the Bible tell us of other God-fearing men who also at times were overcome by temptations?
The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah’s strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah’s disobedience and Israel’s idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter’s denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them. If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 12
- What is the difference between the Christian who sometimes is led into sin and worldling who commits the same sin?
While the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves to the control of evil. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 474
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Here is a special direction to deal tenderly with those overtaken in a fault. This “overtaken” must have its full significance. It is something different from deliberate sin, to be led into sin unawares, not meaning to sin, but sinning through want of watchfulness and prayer, and not discerning the temptation of Satan, and so falling into his snare. There is a difference to be made in the case of one who plans and deliberately enters into temptation, and marks out an evil course, covering his sin skillfully, that he shall not be detected. Review and Herald, 06-28-87
The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts. Steps to Christ, 57, 58
- Is there any difference between the professed Christian who is a slave to just one bad habit, and the worldling?
One sinful desire cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 53
One secret sin indulged, will prove to the character what the wormeaten plank does to the ship–utter disaster and ruin. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 90
One defect, cultivated instead of being overcome, makes the man imperfect, and closes against him the gate of the Holy City. Messages to Young People, 144
- Under the power of the perfecting latter rain, to what spiritual state will God’s people–the 144,000–be brought by the close of probation?
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:1-5
Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. . . . This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. The Great Controversy, 623
Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,–the perfection of his character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, “It is finished.” Review and Herald, 06-10-02
- Is a long period of years necessarily required for the perfection of Christian character?
As we near the close of this earth’s history, we either rapidly advance in Christian growth, or we rapidly retrograde toward the world. Review and Herald, 12-13-92
What we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. Early Writings, 67
- Will the righteous still feel the promptings of sin and be tempted after probation has closed?
So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience. The Acts of the Apostles, 560
To those who have tried so hard to obtain by faith so-called holy flesh, I would say, You can not obtain it. Not a soul of you has holy flesh now. No human being on the earth has holy flesh. It is an impossibility. . . . And while we can not claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. . . . Thank God that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. General Conference Bulletin 04-23-01
We may create an unreal world in our own mind or picture an ideal church, where the temptations of Satan no longer prompt to evil; but perfection exists only in our imagination. The world is a fallen world, and the church is a place represented by a field in which grow tares and wheat. They are to grow together until the harvest. It is not our place to uproot the tares, according to human wisdom, lest under the suggestions of Satan the wheat may be rooted up under the supposition that it is tares. The wisdom that is from above will come to him who is meek and lowly in heart, and that wisdom will not lead him to destroy, but to build up the people of God. Review and Herald, 08-08-93
- When will all temptation cease?
When human beings receive holy flesh, they will not remain on the earth, but will be taken to heaven. While sin is forgiven in this life, its results are not now wholly removed. It is at his coming that Christ is to “change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.” Phil. 3:21. General Conference Bulletin 04-23-01
We cannot say I am sinless until this vile body is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body. Signs of the Times, 3-23-88
I heard shouts of triumph from the angels and from the redeemed saints, which sounded like ten thousand musical instruments, because they were to be no more annoyed and tempted by Satan and because the inhabitants of other worlds were delivered from his presence and his temptations. Early Writings, 290
There are hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil that must be overcome. Appetite and passion must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. There is no end to the warfare this side of eternity. But while there are constant battles to fight, there are also precious victories to gain; and the triumph over self and sin is of more value than the mind can estimate. Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 20