August 20, 2002
THE CALL OF THE CHURCH IS A HIGH AND HOLY CALLING. We are to emulate the life and character of the one who has called us unto Himself. He is holy, He can never be anything else. Holiness is the very bearing and sentient being of His life. We are called to live His life in this world. To be and live holiness for it is His nature that has been imparted to us. 1 Pet. 1:15 The Lord having promised His holy presence to be with us has called us to cleanse our selves from all and every thing that can be named < filthiness of the flesh > That which pleases the sensuous nature of the carnal man. It will totally contaminate the body and spirit of the person involved in such actions. Contrary wise, we are urged to perfect holiness because we want to do that which pleases the Lord. While this may have been directed to the Corinthian church it very definitely applies today. Perhaps even more so as we approach the end of the age. 2 Cor. 7:1
THE BRIDE WILL ATTAIN THE STANDARD OF HIS HOLINESS. That status is not something that is to be reached in the eternity to come but is the desire and will of the Lord Jesus for this age. Without stain or blemish of any sort. Without unsightly wrinkle or any defilement but blameless before God and man. Eph. 5:27 Paul very definitely placed the time for a people who are fully surrendered to the Lord in the NOW. He stated, that it is God who is at work in you that His will may performed by you. Also, that the good pleasure of the Lord might be accomplished in and through the church. Phil. 2:13This height of spiritual attainment is to be reached in this world. Amongst a crooked and perverse or depraved generation. Somehow that has a ring of the NOW. The saints are to be without blame or any charge laid to their account. Children of the Most High who are without fault or cause for rebuke. In other words, meeting the standard of the holiness of the Lord. Phil. 2:15
HIS MODEL FOR THIS PRESENT WORLD. The teaching of the grace of God that has come to us through His salvation. We are to reject all things that are contrary to the holiness of the Lord. They are not to be a part of our life. The lusts of the flesh and the world are to be overcome and banished from our lives. Dare we say to a God with whom all things are possible that this is impossible? Heaven forbid. It is His will that we live according to that pattern of holiness that He has taught us from His Word. WE are challenged to live lives that are controlled by the Word and the Spirit both of which will guide us into victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Titus 2:11-12 How important can holiness be? It is required if we are to stand in the presence of the Lord. Peace and holiness are important elements of the Christian walk today. Heb. 12:14 Serve Him in honor and in holiness and righteousness the whole span of our life and sojourn here in this world and in this life. The Lord is desirous of examples of His holiness here and now in this life. Lk. 1:74-75