God's Mercy and Grace Be Holy for I am Holy
What does the Bible say about holiness? Lev. 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16 Be Holy for I am Holy. Does it matters to God anyway?
The fallout among Christians is appalling. Examine the Church and see who are glorifying God and who seem no different than the world. How many are disgracing Christ and yet calling Him their friend.
Many start out well; but sometimes a single fall, puts them on the shelf for life. He may repent and confess but never really come out from under the cloud. It is said that the bird with a broken wing can fly just as high again, but many of God's own never do.
There is total forgiveness with God, but not always is this the case with man. We can see such an example as with Paul, who before he came to the Lord, he was man who was relentless against Christians. People can be turned away by the things that Christians condone, do and say; and it appears that the gospel does not make a difference in a person’s life. This gives Christ a bad name.
Sin among believers makes other believers and unbelievers stumble. Did you know that Mark Twain turned away from Christianity because of what he heard Christians condoning. He seen those that called themselves followers of Christ, that condoned slavery, using foul language and were involved in shady deals.
What the Bible say about holiness is that Christlikeness is the highest description of character. Being Holy is not a one time event but an ongoing process. It is an instinct build into a believer at time of conversion and desire within of a new hatred for sin and new love for purity.
In the area of Holiness there is God’s part and our part, salvation is by faith alone but Holiness is by faith and works. The Bible does not say Holiness comes by obeying certain laws and avoiding certain taboos Gal. 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? God’s way of Holiness is by grace not by law, it is by love of the Saviour and not fear of punishment.
How can one live Holy? God filled the New Testament with practical instruction and commandments, but even these are not laws with penalties attached but examples of lifestyle that pleases Him. Overcoming sin is not a one time experience but a process. The Bible says in Deut. 33:25b As your days, so shall your strength be, and in Eph. 5:18b but be filled with the Spirit.