TRUE HOLINESS
5/21/2011
“Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and . . . put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NKJV).
*** Man does not have the ability to produce holiness.
John 1:12 says: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5
*** It is God Who saves us and makes us holy
*** We cannot add to God's holiness or righteousness by our own works.
*** The Spirit of God in us will bear fruit in good works, but it is not according to God's Word for us to make our list of self-righteous rules, try to add them to His great Salvation, and call it holiness.
*** Holiness comes from God not man
*** People need to be taught to be led by the Spirit of God in them concerning their manner of living.
*** Many saints are kept babies forever, with pastors telling them every thing they should or should not do.
*** The Spirit is given to guide each individual.
John 16:13
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (KJV)
*** Some people in their walk with God may do or not do certain things, and other people may lay aside other things.
*** Every one will not be exactly alike. (Read Romans chapter 14)
*** In understanding, people need to concentrate on their heart relationship with God and showing His love to others, instead of only concentrating on what they appear to be, which does not necessarily relay the state of their hearts.
*** Holiness is a result of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.
*** Just as we must be born again to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5), so we must pursue holiness, or sanctification, in order to see the Lord.
“Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, NKJV).
“Make every effort to live
in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no
one will see the Lord” (NIV).
*** The new birth will have no eternal value unless the born-again person continues to walk by faith and live after the new nature of the Spirit, allowing God to complete the process that began at the new birth.
*** Holiness is not an option: it is a command that we are to implement in all aspects of our lives.
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (I Peter1:15-16, NKJV).
1. Definition of Holiness.
God is holy; holiness is an essential aspect of His nature.
With respect to Him, it means absolute purity and moral perfection.
With respect to humans, holiness means conformity to the character and will of God.
*** It means thinking as God thinks, loving what He loves, hating what He hates, and acting as Christ would act.
*** It means having the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5).
The Old Testament concept of holiness was “separation from and dedication to.
*** For example, the Sabbath was holy because it was separated from work, travel, and other mundane activities, and dedicated to rest.
*** The Tabernacle vessels were holy because they were separated
from all ordinary use and dedicated solely to sacred use.
*** God commanded His people to be holy (Leviticus11:44; 19:2; 20:7)—separated from all other peoples and dedicated to the worship of the one true God.
*** The Levitical laws separated the Israelites from all other nations in diet, clothing, appearance, farming practices, Sabbath observance, sanitation, and morality.
*** These laws taught a clear distinction between the clean and unclean, the holy and profane (Leviticus 11:47; Ezekiel 22:26).
*** The doctrine of holiness made Old Testament Judaism unique among ancient religious, particularly in its concept of separation and in its linkage of morality with religion.
*** The ceremonial law foreshadowed greater spiritual truths, teaching spiritual principles by physical types(Galatians 3:24-25; Hebrews 10:1).
*** The new covenant abolished ceremonial types, while retaining moral law and spiritual holiness (Colossians 2:16-17).
*** Building on the Old Testament concept of holiness, the New Testament teaches a corresponding twofold definition of moral holiness for God’s people:
(1) separation
from sin and the world system.
(2) dedication
to God and His will.
*** Just as a person forsakes all other romantic relationships, actual or potential, to enjoy the total commitment of a marriage relationship, so we renounce worldly
living as part of our new life in Christ.
“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” (Romans12:1-2).
“Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. . . . Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (II Corinthians 6:17; 7:1).
“Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and . . . put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NKJV).
*** In sum, holiness means to imitate Christ, to be Christlike.
*** The holy person will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature, but he will put on the personality and mind of Christ and will let Christ be formed in him (Romans13:14; Galatians 4:19).
*** He will judge every decision and every action by the question, What would Jesus do?
2. Principles of Holiness
Holiness means that we are not to love this ungodly world system, identify with it, become attached to the things in it, or participate in its sinful pleasures and activities.
“Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of
the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).
*** One important aspect of pure and undefiled religion is to keep “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
*** We specifically need to avoid three major areas of temptation and sin:
lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in
the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust
of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:15-16).
*** The purpose of holiness standards is to protect us in one or more of these areas.
*** For example, law, or fear of getting caught, can cause a man to remain physically faithful to his wife and restrain him in a time of temptation, but he may still be
very unfaithful in thoughts, attitudes, behavior, and flirtations.
*** By contrast, true love for his wife will drive away all contrary thoughts and desires, and in the long run only love will make the marriage a true success.
*** Similarly, a person who seeks to serve God merely by rules will ultimately fail, because he will face situations that his rules do not specifically address and because he will lack the inward principles and convictions needed to guide him.
*** Sometimes leaders present biblical standards of holiness as a set of rules and regulations, justifying them only by tradition and human authority.
*** In rebelling against this legalistic approach, some people discard true holiness principles and valid practical applications.
*** The problem on both sides is a failure to commit quality time in serious, prayerful study of the Word of God.
*** Many wrongly suppose that the proper alternative to legalism is antinomianism (no law), license (freedom without responsibility), or libertinism (no moral restraints).
*** True holiness is not “freedom” to act and look like the world, however, but freedom from the need to conform to the world.
*** Genuine spiritual freedom is not “freedom” to commit sin, but freedom from sin’s bondage.
*** There can be no real freedom outside truth (John8:32).
*** Spiritual freedom is not freedom from truth, but to know and submit to the truth.
*** For example, a man who is ignorant of the law of gravity and therefore walks off a cliff unconcernedly is not free.
*** Rather, he is free when he understands the danger of walking off the cliff and has the ability to avoid doing so, thereby preserving his life and liberty.
*** A Christian is free because he knows what sin is and how deadly it is and has the power to overcome it.
*** As Christians we still have commandments to obey
(Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 23).
3. Legalism
Legalism means strict or excessive conformity to a legal code or set of rules.
In a Christian context, legalism has two negative connotations:
(1) basing salvation on good works or on strict observance of law and
(2) imposing nonbiblical rules.
The Bible strongly condemns legalism in this sense (Matthew 23; Romans 3-4; Galatians 3).
Law is helpful as a line of demarcation, a minimum standard, or a safety net, but ultimately it is insufficient to produce holiness.
As we have already seen, true holiness comes by faith, love, and the Spirit.
They are the proper alternatives to legalism, and they will actually lead to far self-discipline than law can.
REPEAT
For example, law, or fear of getting caught, can cause a man to remain physically faithful to his wife and restrain him in a time of temptation, but he may still be
very unfaithful in thoughts, attitudes, behavior, and flirtations.
By contrast, true love for his wife will drive away all contrary thoughts and desires, and in the long run only love will make the marriage a true success.
Similarly, a person who seeks to serve God merely by rules will ultimately fail, because he will face situations that his rules do not specifically address
and because he will lack the inward principles and convictions needed to guide him.
Sometimes leaders present biblical standards of holiness as a set of rules and regulations, justifying them only by tradition and human authority.
In rebelling against this legalistic approach, some people discard true holiness
principles and valid practical applications.
The problem on both sides is a failure to commit quality time in serious,
prayerful study of the Word of God.
Many wrongly suppose that the proper alternative to legalism is antinomianism (no law), license (freedomwithout responsibility), or libertinism (no moral restraints).
True holiness is not “freedom” to act and look like the world, however, but freedom from the need to conform to the world.
Genuine spiritual freedom is not“freedom” to commit sin, but freedom from sin’s
bondage.
There can be no real freedom outside truth (John8:32).
Spiritual freedom is not freedom from truth, but to know and submit to the truth.
freedom For example, a man who is ignorant of the law of gravity and therefore
walks off a cliff unconcernedly is not free.
Rather, he isfree when he understands the danger of walking off the
cliff and has the ability to avoid doing so, thereby preserving
his life and liberty.
A Christian is free because he knows what sin is and how deadly it is and has the power to overcome it.
As Christians we still have commandments to obey
(Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 23).
The ceremonial law has been abolished, but we still must not participate in spiritually unclean things (II Corinthians 6:17).
The Christian life is like a contest, with spiritual guidelines that we must follow.
“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (II Timothy 2:5, NKJV).
Moral law is a restraining force, but the sinful nature needs a restraint upon its desires, while the spiritual man needs protection against evil.
Like a fence around a garden, holiness teachings do not curb our freedom in Christ but preserve it.
Like gravity keeping the earth in orbit around the sun, they bind us closely
to our holy God, who is our source of life and strength.
Like train tracks or the banks of a river, they keep us on course, preserve our identity, and channel our spiritual energy.
4. Christian Liberty
Biblical Christianity is not a life of bondage but a life of liberty.
This liberty does not eliminate the call to holiness,however.
We can identify three aspects of Christian liberty.
Freedom from sin. Sin and God’s will are mutually
exclusive, so by definition, to be free from one means
to submit to the other.
To exercise Christian liberty means to break free from sin’s bondage, which means to obey and serve God, which in turn means to serve “righteousness unto holiness” and to bear “fruit unto holiness”
(Romans 6:15-23).
Freedom from the Law. God has not abolished moral law, but Christians are free from Old Testament law in several ways:
*Freedom from the penalty of the law—death. Christ died in our stead, so the law has no power to condemn us.
*Freedom from the attempt to fulfill the law by human effort alone. Old Testament saints were bound to the law like children under tutors and governors
(Galatians 4).
They could not fully overcome the flesh and keep God’s moral law, but the Spirit now gives us power to do so (Romans 8:2-4).
*Freedom from the destructive power of the law caused by abuse of it.
The law, which was good in itself, actually became a harmful force because people erroneously relied on it for justification and so rejected faith in Christ
(Romans 9:31-10:3).
*Freedom from the ceremonial law (Mark 7:15; Acts15; Galatians 4; Colossians 2:16-17).
Freedom in nonmoral matters. We can participate in any activity that does not violate biblical teaching.
We have freedom to follow individual judgment, desire, and conscience in morally neutral areas such as eating of meat and observance of certain days (Romans 14).
*** In these matters, we are not to judge each other, but we are to be true to our own convictions.
*** Christian liberty does not negate the responsibility to obey scriptural holiness teachings (Romans 6:15; Galatians 5:13).
*** Nor does it eliminate the responsibility to follow godly leaders when they apply biblical principles of holiness to contemporary issues (Acts 15:28-29; Hebrews 13:17).
The Bible gives four guidelines for the proper exercise of Christian liberty in nonmoral matters.4 Namely, we should:
1. Do everything to the glory of God (I Corinthians10:31; Colossians 3:17).
2. Avoid anything that is not beneficial to us
(I Corinthians 6:12; 10:23).
We should abstain from things detrimental to us physically, mentally, or spiritually.
We should lay aside every “weight,” or hindrance, as well as outright sin (Hebrews 12:1).
3. Avoid anything that would gain dominance over us (I Corinthians 6:12). We must not let anything addict us, rob us of too much energy, time or money, or
interfere with our relationship to God.
4. Avoid anything that would harm others (Romans14:13-21; I Corinthians 8:9-13; 10:32-33).
We should avoid things that could cause someone else to stumble.
If the Bible condemns a practice either specifically or in principle, obedience is necessary.
If the four basic guidelines for the proper exercise of Christian liberty
point to a certain course of action, then again obedience is necessary.
For example, eating meat offered to idols fell under the scope of Christian liberty, yet the apostolic church absolutely forbade the practice because it was a stumbling block.
If an issue is morally neutral and the four guidelines do not define a certain response, then the teachings of Romans 14 apply.
5. The Practical Application of Holiness
It is possible to classify holiness standards in two categories.
1. Clear teachings of Scripture. Examples are the teachings against fornication, lying, and drunkenness.
Bible believers should agree on these standards, and the new convert should begin to follow them immediately.
2. Practical applications of scriptural principles to modern situations.
Examples are practices related to adornment, dress, and amusements.
New converts usually understand and implement these teachings gradually
as they grow in grace and knowledge.
Christians can have legitimate differences of opinion, not on principles,
but on a precise application in a specific situation.
For the sake of unity and a clear witness to the community, however, they should follow the teachings of their pastor in these matters, for God has entrusted him with the oversight and care of the local church.
New converts may not conform immediately, especially if they lack a strong biblical background.
The pastor should lead them patiently into further truth, relying
on scriptural teaching, Christian example, and the work of the Spirit.
God has justified them by their faith, but they must submit to the progressive work of sanctification.
Here are important areas in which biblical, and therefore
universal and unchanging, principles of holiness
apply.
1. Attitudes (Galatians 5:19-23; Ephesians 4:23-32).
We must put away evil attitudes such as hatred, wrath, envy, jealousy, covetousness (greed), bitterness, malice, pride, prejudice, vengeance, and all discord (contention,
strife, selfish ambition, dissension, clamor, brawling, murmuring, complaining, rebellion, a critical spirit).
The essence of holiness is bearing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness (gentleness), and temperance (self-control).
We must learn to forgive, to be obedient to authority, to be thankful, not to let anything offend us, and not to be busybodies in others’ lives.
2. Thoughts (Matthew 5:18-20; II Corinthians 10:5;
Philippians 4:8).
A person is what he thinks, and he becomes what he allows his mind to dwell upon.
We are to think on true, honest (noble), just (right), pure, lovely, reputable, virtuous (excellent), and praiseworthy things.
We must cast out evil thoughts, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Temptation is not sin, but entertaining and retaining evil thoughts is.
3. The tongue (James 1:26; 3:1-12; 4:1; 5:12).
We must avoid talebearing, backbiting, slander, sowing discord,
swearing by oath, using the Lord’s name in vain, pronouncement of curses, reviling, lying, idle words, and suggestive, indecent, or obscene speech.
4. The eye (Psalm 101:3; 119:37; Matthew 6:22-23).
The eye is the gate of the soul and the primary source of input for the mind.
We should not read materials saturated with vulgarity and sensuality.
Because violence, illicit sex, lust, evil speech, sinfulness, and vanity dominate
television and movies, we should be very careful about a television or watching movies.
These media subtly undermine spiritual values and priorities and feed carnal desires.
5. Appearance (adornment, dress, and hair)
(Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:1-16; I Timothy
2:8-10; I Peter 3:1-5).
6. Outward modesty
1 Tim 2:8-9
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
(KJV)
1 Cor 4:3-16
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
(KJV)
1 Pet 3:1-5
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
(KJV)
*** The appearance reflects the inner self, both to God and to others.
*** A worldly appearance promotes lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life,
artificiality, and false values, molding both wearer and society in ungodly ways.
*** Important biblical principles in this area are (1) modesty, (2) rejection of ornamentation, (3) moderation in cost, (4) distinction between male and female, and (5) separation from worldliness.
Thus we should abstain from clothing that immodestly exposes the body; ornamental
jewelry; colored cosmetics and hair dye; very expensive, extravagant, or gaudy attire; dresses or skirts on men; pants on women; long hair on men; cut hair on
women; and fashions with carnal associations.
It is vitally important to teach principles, not just rules, to avoid inconsistencies in this area.
Men must be careful to avoid effeminate styles, and women masculine styles.
Since God asks women to have long hair, they should not trim it or otherwise seek to shorten it deliberately.
It is inconsistent to object to lipstick but wear blush
or mascara.
It is likewise inconsistent to object to earrings or nose rings but wear finger rings for ornamentation.
It violates scriptural principles to be extremely costly extravagant, showy, or ostentatious in hairstyle, clothing, or functional jewelry (jewelry, worn for function, not ornament, such as a watch).
Four questions will help determine when these things are too extravagant:
(1) What is the motive for wearing it?
(2) Is it wise stewardship?
(3) How do others view it?
(4) What would Jesus do?
6. Stewardship of the body (I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:12, 19-20).
The body is the temple of the Spirit, so we should not use things that harm or defile the body, cause intoxication, or cause addiction.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and illegal drugs violate this principle.
Other problems in this area are gluttony, obesity due to overindulgence, abuse of legal drugs, and caffeine addiction.
7. Sanctity of marriage (I Corinthians 6:9-10;
Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 13:4).
The Bible condemns all sexual relations outside the permanent marriage of a
man and a woman.
It opposes lustful thoughts and actions.
Youth must flee from fornication and lustful caressing when dating. Since God’s plan is lifelong marriage, we should not follow worldly examples and seek divorce on grounds of mistake, incompatibility, or falling out of love.
8. Sanctity of human life (Exodus 20:13; Matthew5:39, 44).
We should not condone violence, and we should personally reject all intentional murder of human beings, even in abortion, warfare, and suicide.
9. Honesty and integrity (Mark 10:19).
The Bible rejects all forms of dishonesty and corruption, including lying, stealing, defrauding, refusal to pay debts, extortion, bribery, and cheating.
10. Fellowship (Matthew 18:15-18; I Corinthians5:9-6:8; 15:33; II Corinthians 6:14).
We must not become identified with sinful attitudes or lifestyles.
We should not have fellowship with so-called Christians who continually indulge in sinful activities, nor become yoked with unbelievers (such as by marriage).
In the church, we are to resolve all disputes according to the procedure given by Christ, not by suing one another in civil court.
11. Worldly activities (I Thessalonians 5:22; Titus
3:3; I John 2:15).
*** We must maturely regulate music, sports, games, and amusements.
*** To the extent possible, we should avoid places or events with atmospheres, influences, or associations that are excessively worldly.
*** For example, many otherwise acceptable activities and entertainments
take place in an atmosphere filled wit h immodesty, lewdness, cursing, drinking, extreme rivalry, and violence, and Christians are not at home in such surroundings.
*** Some amusements are inherently worldly, such as gambling, dancing, hard rock music, astrology, and occult practices.
