One flavor of the “it is ok to sin” doctrine is the idea that your best is somehow less than total obedience to God. You will find this belief in the following common sayings:
- “We try, but we will never be like Jesus.”
- “God just needs our best; he does the rest.”
- “God understands.”
- “That's what the atonement is for.”
Those who believe that God can tolerate sin in the least degree ignore his word: “the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” (Alma 45:16) Those who knowingly engage in sin are cut off from God’s presence. Even partial sin leads to complete condemnation, according to God’s word.
Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. (Ezekiel 33:12)
God cannot save sinners in their sins. He can only save sinners from their sins.
If your best is less than your understanding of the ideal, you are excusing yourself for sin. You will not have peace of mind or forgiveness in this life or the one that follows.