TO LIVE HOLY

TO LIVE HOLY

When we were first saved we were taught several doctrines which are no longer widely taught in evangelical and charismatic churches today. We were taught that we would be tempted to go back to our old life of sin unless we began practicing these doctrines. They would protect us from evil, guard our faith, and keep our walk holy. These doctrines stemmed from a proper understanding of the believer’s place in the world.

Here are some examples:

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (Rom 6:11-12)

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 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)

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Col 3: 1-3)

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, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1-2)

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. (I Peter 1: 14-15)

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (II Cor 7:14-18)

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:12-14)

These Scriptures have to do with separation and non-conformity.

A believer is to be separated from unbelievers and idolators, and be consecrated holy unto the Lord.

A believer is not to conform to this world, with all of its lusts, but is to conform to the perfect will of God.

These two principals kept many a baby Christian from returning to their former friends, former lusts, spiritual errors and previous manner of sinful life.

Please note the last Scriptural reference above.

Here is a clear example of spiritual warfare. These verses do not call for a believer to cast down high powers and principalities, or to set up governments and kings, but to cast off the works of darkness (sin) and put on holiness, which is an armour against the lusts of the flesh.

How does one put on holiness?

It is time to return to a simple faith and trust in your first Love, Jesus Christ, who died on a cross, and was risen to life again in three days, so that your sins might be forgiven.

Read the Bible every day employing traditional methods of Bible study.

Faithfully take each verse and ask the Lord to show you in your heart where you need to apply it to your life.

What is God plainly saying?

Are you convicted?

Do you need to ask the Lord for forgiveness?

Do you need to make some changes in your life?

Are you willing to look “peculiar” in the eyes of a worldly church?

Are you willing to walk the narrow way, even if you are very alone on that path?

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Ps. 119:105)

Thank you Lord God; for your Word, that is revealed in our Savior, Christ Jesus.