Friday, November 28, 2014

Pursue Holiness

There is a growing movement that is progressively becoming acceptable in the main stream church that in order to reach the young we must check Holiness at the door and join in the sinful dark practices of their world. Sadly this is causing many new converts to have a false sense of security by never truly letting go of worldly practices, thereby continuing to be separated from a Holy righteous God that cannot stand in presence of darkness and sin.  Hebrews 12:14 extorts believers to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.  This has been very heavy on my heart so I'm thankful to come across Charles Stanley's exhortation to pursue holiness. God's timing is always perfect to bring confirmation through His inerrant word.

By In Touch Ministries

Pursuing Holiness

God’s children are called to live holy lives that are marked by a deep reverence for Him. One strong motivation for righteous living is the cross and what it represents.

First, the cross is a reminder of our original position as outsiders, separated from God because of sin. Second, it points to our need for a Savior. Divine justice decrees that the penalty for sin is death (Rom. 6:23); however, the only acceptable payment is the shedding of innocent blood (Deut. 17:1). Since we are all guilty, we cannot pay for our own sins. Third, it was on the cross that Jesus took our place and endured God’s wrath so we could be forgiven. Fourth, the crucifixion marks the time when God’s justice was satisfied and His mercy was demonstrated. Finally, it points out the way to be reconciled to the Lord and adopted into His family. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be saved (John 14:6).

Sadly, many have forgotten about God’s requirement of holiness (v. 15). Instead of holding fast to His standards of attitude and behavior, we embrace some worldly values that seem more comfortable or self-satisfying. We pursue secular ideals such as pleasure and material wealth instead of godly ones like servanthood and obedience. These goals are encouraged by our culture, which has little fear of the Lord and regularly ignores His warnings and commandments.

To counteract the culture’s influence, keep the meaning of the cross before you. Then you’ll be motivated to pursue holiness in honor of the One who gave His life to save you.

Dr. Charles Stanly
In Touch Ministries