How can anyone be "perfect" (James 3:2)? Can anyone attain perfection?
James 3:2 English Standard Version (ESV) 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
James 3:2
ESV - 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
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Asked March 02 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
I would say that James was not using the word "perfect" in the sense of "sinless". (As James himself said in the verse cited in the question, we all stumble.) Instead, he was using the word in the sense of "complete". One of the main points that James was emphasizing in his epistle was the importance (as well as the difficulty) of controlling the words one speaks (as symbolized by the tongue). In my opinion, James was saying that the tongue is so difficult to control that, if people (particularly Christians, such as those to whom James was writing) can achieve control of their speech, they are also capable of practicing similar control in every other area of life, making them complete with respect to their relationship with both God and other people.
Thomas Riccardi
We are born into sin, imperfect. But through Jesus Christ we are made perfect and seen as perfect in the eyes of the Father! As it states in Hebrews 10:14 Your sins are not just hidden, buried, beneath a white garment. No! In Christ, you are truly made perfect. The Bible says that by “one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified [bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity].” Praise the Living Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
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