Why did God/ Christ call us to be Holy and Perfect when he knew we are sinners? What was He exhorting us to do/ be?
[ Please answer in love ] /\
“Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1: 16
Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I believe I understand what it is that you're asking. It actually seems pretty clear. The answer is clearly yes, we are called to be Holy. Why would He call us to be Holy, knowing that it is impossible for us as sinners? (Gasp!)
Easy, because it is impossible for us to be holy...without Christ. We would have to seek the Lord's help, for it is written, with God, all things are possible. So if we would need to seek the Lord's help with this...that's what the Lord wants us to do! Working with the Lord to make this happen in our life...builds relationship!
Can we be Holy while still here on earth? Of course we can, in Christ...on earth as it is in Heaven, remember my Brothers and Sisters?
I suspect that the confusion may arise...with lazy Christians? The type who only want to believe, and no more. Oh, we don't want a works based salvation, they say...and, they may get into Heaven, it is not for me to decide. But the Lord does call us to more than simple belief. This takes pressing in, walking in it and doing more than a hearer only.
The reality of walking with the Lord is that, when one presses in and is led by the Spirit...they will be be called to walk in it and to actually go out and do some good works. We are not bystanders in this spiritual war! We are participants and have a duty to want to help.
Some Christians don't want to do that. Oooo too scary, I'm not worthy, I'm not perfect, so why try?
Uhh...rubbish, Brother. What part of, be ye holy even as I am holy...is hard to understand?
Why do Christians continue to call themselves sinners? I am not a sinner. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus... I have sin within me and do sin at times, tis true. But we have not been taken out of the sin environment yet. Sin's influence is still present at this time. But I do not live a lifestyle of sin, I try to walk a good walk. I fail at times like we all do, but I get back up and keep trying, keep asking for the Lords forgiveness and help. I would rather fail in effort trying, than never tried at all.
In not trying to be holy or not trying to do any good works, we would find ourselves in the position of...the man who had one Talent and buried it in the ground. Who wants to show up empty handed?! Not me, Brother!