Holiness

What do you think of when someone refers to another person as "holy?" The majority will say things like: robed, reserved, somber, solemn, quiet... boring has come up before... as has perfect. People so often fail to understand what holiness really is for a Christian. It is not an outward action or set of actions, but an inward RE-action that comes from allowing Christ into your heart and life!

I heard some powerful words tonight, from a powerful Christian man who came to speak to our Discipleship class. I will hit the main points, as there is too much knowledge in his wisdom and speech to write down.

1. When you are saved, you are washed clean, and all of your former sin has been erased forever.

2. At this point, you become holy through Christ.

3. Your holiness never leaves; but the degree to which you chase it is up to you.

4. Your holiness is progressive, always growing; each back-slide halts the process, and only confession can move it forward.

Powerful words, from a powerful man, empowered by the All-Powerful Most High God. I have been blessed to sit in his presence and learn from his years of service to God. And I agree with him 100%.

Are you chasing your own holiness as a member of Christ's Church? Are you enrolling in places where you can extend your understanding of the Lord our God? Is it your "determined purpose to know Him?"
Phil 3:10 (AMP)

I can tell you that the chase is not an easy one. But I can also tell you that it does grow more natural to chase after your own holiness. And as you acclimate to the truth that you are made holy through your relationship with Christ, your understanding of how deep that holiness goes will expand.

One thing you should know, though, is that your holiness ONLY exists through Him, and your relationship with Him. Nothing you can ever do in your own power on this earth will EVER grant you the blessing and privilege of holiness. No work can ever put you on that mantle; no repeated act, no matter how good, pure or well-intentioned; NOTHING AT ALL... but His perfect grace has already made that transformation in you, the moment you become a Christian!
Eph 2:8-9

I challenge you tonight to spend time in prayer asking God to show you the path to your personal growth in holiness. Seek His will in this, and blessings will abound from above. And the next time you go to a worship service, pay attention to your actions and level of worship to the Creator of the universe and all things in it.

And after that, spend time together, as a couple, praying for the same purpose. As He created the marriage covenant, it is holy. As you are a Christian, you are holy. As your spouse is a Christian, he/she is holy. Therefore, your marriage IS HOLY! Honor that, and honor Him.

God bless you all!!!