Can a Christian be perfect?

This can be a little tricky to answer. I will do my best. In Jesus Christ we become perfect in the eyes of God. How is that possible. When you become a follower of Jesus, when God looks at you the shed blood of Jesus has covered your sin and you are righteous in the sight of God, not because of anything you have done but all because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus! 

Now in day to day life as a believer, no one is perfect. God even tells us this in His Word:

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

But we are to strive for perfection and be like Christ in every area of our lives! Look what the Bible says about this:

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Did you catch those important words? Perfecting holiness, go onto perfection, become complete! All those are talking about a continuing action of working towards being like Jesus!

So we are perfect in Christ by His work, but on this earth we work for that perfection everyday by imitating Christy to the best of our ability. We fail often but we confess our sin and dust ourselves of and get back to work! May we do as Paul instructed:

1 Corinthians 11 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Tom