We as individual Christians must answer the call to Christian Holiness and Obedience. It’s not just the Preacher’s job or the Deacon’s job to strive for holiness. We are also called to have the mind of Christ and walk in his footsteps. We as Christians are called to be a separate people, not bending to the ways of the world and its various worldviews. So we should live and do everything within the Biblical Christian Worldview. In striving for this we should also live up to the definition of holiness. Holiness is the state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, which is one of His essential attributes. Applied to human beings, holiness is purity of heart or dispositions; sanctified affections; devotion; moral goodness, but not perfect.
Christian Holiness and Obedience in Our relationships
“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.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
We are required by Biblical scripture to be holy and sanctified. To be sanctified you are to be set apart for sacred service. Even our relationships should be holy and sanctified. In other words, comply with God’s definition of all the various relationships in human society. So, as the Bible says homosexual fornication is an abomination, then we must say no to homosexuality. The Bible also clearly says that men should dress as men and women should dress like women. This is not a suggestion it’s a commandment. It is a commandment to all of humanity, but God specifically directs Christians to obey this as an outward sign of their faith, sanctity, and holiness. All of our relationships should reflect our obedience to God by our outward appearance, actions, and also reactions. Without regard to the latest fads, fallacies, and worldviews.
Christian Holiness and Obedience in Our Actions
“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7
We should obey what God said in the Bible. We should always remain set apart for service to God and live a life that is as holy as we can possibly live. We will fail as Christians and we will fail as humans. But all Christians must strive with all their hearts to avoid failure as we serve our LORD. We need to avoid failing God like we would avoid a bubonic plague, rat and flea infested filthy room. Obeying God is required. Not because we have to, but because we love our LORD so much that we want to love and serve Him to the very best of our ability. We are commanded to obey but also have the free will to refuse to obey. Which inexorably leads to consequences.
Christian Holiness and Obedience to Our Holy and Precious God
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5
In Exodus 19-20, the Israelites needed to be sanctified and clean before they could meet God at Mount Sinai. The Israelites had to be ready for this very special occasion. God set boundaries for them so that they wouldn’t step onto the mountain or its boarders. The Israelites around the mountain would be put to death if they didn’t keep outside the boundaries. So, after their preparation, God showed up in a mighty way with thunder and lightning, thick smoke, and quaking ground, and then he called the Israelites with the loud voice of a trumpet. Once gathered at the base of the mountain, God shared His 10 Commandments with His people.
Clean Yourself Up in Service to God
We also need to clean ourselves up and set ourselves apart (sanctify ourselves). We should live every moment as if we were in the presence of God because we are in the presence of God. The Law within the Word of God clearly marks our boundaries and also states the rewards for keeping those boundaries and the consequences for failing to keep those boundaries. Before coming to worship we should practice the discipline of confessing and repenting of our sins so that we can be clean and sanctified before our God. Then we can worship our Lord sanctified, forgiven and with the proper honor and respect. We should also live our lives outside the church in like manner – holy and sanctified.
We must remember that God’s grace does not excuse us from our requirement to strive to be holy and obedient servants of God. Grace also doesn’t give us the authorization to sin.
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