But
as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1Pe
1:15-16 KJV)
Here
is an unpopular topic, and one highly hated by the Devil. More people
have given me trouble over holiness than any other topic. It gets
down to where we are living at. It requires us to change the way we
think and live. The flesh does not like change.
To
be a Christian means to be Christ-like. To be Christ-like means that
we need to change from being sinful and worldly to being godly.
The
words sanctify, sanctified, sanctification, holy, and holiness are
synominous, meaning they all basically mean the same thing. We find
these words combined listed in scriptures no less than 791 times. You
can count on it that God wants us to know out and apply the
principles of holiness and sanctification to our lives. Some would
like to leave the teachings of holiness in the Old Testament, but it
is cleary commanded in the New Testament. But
as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
(1Pe 1:15-16 KJV)
It
is no secret that the world around us is rapidly changing. People
change , society and everything changes. The natural man might think
that the world is becoming a better and better place. With the
increase of knowledge and technology, this would be what one might
expect. The truth is, the fallen nature of man will not allow mankind
or his dwelling place to become better. Man needs God to change his
nature from sinful to holy or righteous for the world to become a
better place. With that being said, why would a believer want to
follow and pattern their lives after things that are socially
acceptable according to the world ? The Apostle Paul writing to the
church told us: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not
conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1-2 KJV).
Can
you agree with me that we should be willing to allow the word of God
change us? What if it is something we don’t like? My
purpose in writing this book is to encourage you-because you love
God- to forget the standards of the world that are socially
acceptable and look to the word of God for your standard of living.
Jesus said If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Joh 14:15 KJV).
Living
a holy life must not be motivated by fear or legalism, but simply
because you love Jesus. Without love then holiness becomes legalistic
drudgery. We must all ask ourselves do we love Jesus? Is is just a
warm fuzzy feeling or do we love him enough to change? If you do not
love Jesus enough to change, then you should not waste your time
reading this book.
What
is the purpose of Holiness or Sanctification?
Because
God demands it – it is not an option.
Lev
19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and
say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. 1Th
4:3-4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye
should abstain from fornication: (4) That every one of you should
know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Heb
12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord: 1Pe 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (16) Because it
is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Holiness
isn't just some nice ideal, a suggestion, or a goal to shoot for.
It's the main thing that God wants of us. He demands it.
It
is a barrier that protects. God wants us to separated from the world.
2Co
6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for
what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what
communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath
Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an
infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they
shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be
ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I
will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall
be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
