Holiness, The Cement Of Christianity.

[RJ]

For the truly Spirit-filled Christian holiness is not only purity and being consecrated for spiritual purpose, but to separate from the carnal world. To be distinguishable from worldly practices/standards.
To be consecrated as a building, or vessels, or an alter, or a plot of land, means to be set aside from common worldly uses, and to be only available for sacred rites and worship.

Amen, to be "Born Again" with Christ in us, truly is what sets us apart!

 

[Curtis]

Reading through this brought about my thoughts for study from today. ...i now recognize the sanctification process that began about 4 1/2 years ago. I always thought that it was the wilderness. And for me and my life i still see the connection. As i went through a wilderness type of situation, which God pointed out a verse to me in deut 4:14 where it states basically that Moses was to teach the children of Israel God's commandments, so that they would be prepared to enter the promised land. Well i believe that as i began the sanctification process, God removed my wrong thoughts (still working on) and my bad behaviors (not quite done with that one either) and then began to teach me His ways. And the rest of my life will be further sanctification, but my promised land...will be entered soon.
thanks for listening.

I thank God for you sister. Sanctification is really about looking into the mirror of God's Holy Word and seeing the Glory of God in you which is Jesus Christ. He is already Holy, and perfect in you. He never grows or changes as he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our spiritual grow comes from the fact that our understanding is that which grows and not Jesus in us.The more I realize that Christ in me is who I am and not myself, then I will begin acting like the man I really am. We all want to act like, and be like Jesus, and that is our goal. I think this scripture really brings home what is being done....

Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

When we look into a mirror who's image do we see? We see our self's. God mirror reveals to us the Glory of God in us, which is Jesus Christ.

2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (ASV)

The Glory of the Lord is inside us. Jesus is the Glory of the Father who is our new life. As long as I keep seeing this person in me, I will come to the realization it is me. This causes me to let this person to do his work through me. This is why it says in the above scripture that the man who is not a doer of his Word is the man who looks into the mirror, and forgets who he really is.The more we see the perfect in us the more he works through us as actions.

 

[Chopper]

/-*****

I can think of twelve men who fit that description. I forgot to ask, do they have to be alive? Well, Abel is dead yet he still speaks!

Ha ha, good one.

 

[Cturtle]

I thank God for you sister. Sanctification is really about looking into the mirror of God's Holy Word and seeing the Glory of God in you which is Jesus Christ. He is already Holy, and perfect in you. He never grows or changes as he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our spiritual grow comes from the fact that our understanding is that which grows and not Jesus in us.The more I realize that Christ in me is who I am and not myself, then I will begin acting like the man I really am. We all want to act like, and be like Jesus, and that is our goal. I think this scripture really brings home what is being done....

Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

When we look into a mirror who's image do we see? We see our self's. God mirror reveals to us the Glory of God in us, which is Jesus Christ.

2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (ASV)

The Glory of the Lord is inside us. Jesus is the Glory of the Father who is our new life. As long as I keep seeing this person in me, I will come to the realization it is me. This causes me to let this person to do his work through me. This is why it says in the above scripture that the man who is not a doer of his Word is the man who looks into the mirror, and forgets who he really is.The more we see the perfect in us the more he works through us as actions.

Wow! That makes a lot more sense, and the reason why i had such a difficult time writing what i did. I really like the way that you have described things! And now i know when i look in the mirror and see Jesus then i am on my way to His being a stronger more ingrafted and intertwined vine within me.

Almost sounds like being able to see Jesus in us makes walking just like Him and following His ways much easier. Because we are keeping our eyes on Jesus and not on the storms or trials or even the good things, but on our creator. I'm thinking and wishing i would have remembered what i was taught in the sanctification class i took about 12 or 13 years ago. thanks again Curtis! And thanks chopper for being obedient to God and starting this thread! I am truly blessed to have you all in my life!

 

[RJ]

For the truly Spirit-filled Christian holiness is not only purity and being consecrated for spiritual purpose, but to separate from the carnal world

Yes, as true born again believers, it is Christ in us that sets us apart. The glory goes to all of him and none of us!

 

[RJ]

Thank you RJ for starting off this thread. What you said is very very true. From filthy rags to royal robes we sojourn in this foreign land on our way home to our King. Hey, I actually like what I just said, I will make it my new signature.

I like it!:thumbsup:

 

[Chopper]

HOLINESS IN THE CHURCH: The first step in producing a Church that Jesus Christ would call His Church and would be pleased to send His Holy Spirit into would be to have a pastor who himself is holy and to preach holiness until the phoney Christians left and the ones remaining would repent and rebuild a life of holiness.

GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO BE HOLY:
1. People who can endure testing and trial...James 1:4
2. People who trust God to provide for their needs and feel free to ask for His help...James 1:5-9
3. People who can discern between good and evil choices and make wise decisions...James 1:12-17
4. People who give generously to others, just as God has given generously to us...James 1:17-18
5. People who listen well and respond thoughtfully...James 1:19-21
6. People who act instead of just talking, and whose actions benefit others...James 1"22-25
7. People who value and show compassion toward others who are in need, especially those forgotten by society...James 1:26-27

Many Christians, when they think of holiness, think of old fashioned ways of dressing, stuffy people who never have any fun. Those of us who are older, look at the roaring 20s and see a generation breaking out of the old stuffy mold. A holy Christian follows God's instructions, not man's legalism. We are cautioned by Jesus Himself to disregard the traditions of man.

 

[RJ]

the phoney Christians left and the ones remaining would repent and rebuild a life of holiness.

:laugh: I rather see it as the phony Christians on the Left!

 

[Chopper]

:laugh: I rather see it as the phony Christians on the Left!

:glasses: Good one!

 

[RJ]

GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO BE HOLY:
1. People who can endure testing and trial...James 1:4
2. People who trust God to provide for their needs and feel free to ask for His help...James 1:5-9
3. People who can discern between good and evil choices and make wise decisions...James 1:12-17
4. People who give generously to others, just as God has given generously to us...James 1:17-18
5. People who listen well and respond thoughtfully...James 1:19-21
6. People who act instead of just talking, and whose actions benefit others...James 1"22-25
7. People who value and show compassion toward others who are in need, especially those forgotten by society...James 1:26-27

A good recipe for Humble Pie!:whistle

 

[Waggles]

preach holiness until the phoney Christians left and the ones remaining would repent and rebuild a life of holiness.

All that you have listed is most excellent and fundamental to a Christian walk - but holiness is more than that - I suppose the best expression from the Scriptures is separation from the corruption of carnal lusts and wanton covetousness of worldly desires. To be pure as opposed to being polluted.
Only to be attained by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who is able to burn up the chaff within a true believer.
Holiness is living for Jesus and being an overcomer by the power and work of the indwelling Spirit.
Living a life that is not conforming to worldly standards, worldly purposes, worldly values and the like.
In effect, the Lord purifying unto himself a peculiar people.

 

[RJ]

All that you have listed is most excellent and fundamental to a Christian walk - but holiness is more than that - I suppose the best expression from the Scriptures is separation from the corruption of carnal lusts and wanton covetousness of worldly desires. To be pure as opposed to being polluted.
Only to be attained by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who is able to burn up the chaff within a true believer.
Holiness is living for Jesus and being an overcomer by the power and work of the indwelling Spirit.
Living a life that is not conforming to worldly standards, worldly purposes, worldly values and the like.
In effect, the Lord purifying unto himself a peculiar people.

• God, through the Bible, calls us (believers) Holy, Righteous and Blameless.
• Paul struggled with all three as he describes his struggles in Romans 7 but, in the opening sentence of Romans 8:1, he says: "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those in Jesus Christ! No condemnation for what?...failing at being perfect.
• God imputes to us, Holiness, Righteousness and Blamelessness , not because we are but because the one in us is!

 

[Waggles]

God imputes to us, Holiness, Righteousness and Blamelessness , not because we are but because the one in us is!

Yes, these aspects come upon us by the indwelling Holy Spirit - but one also needs to walk in the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit.
One's holiness needs to be evident in conduct and lifestyle and conversation - the fruit of the Spirit.
Not everybody keeps the faith and overcomes; many recant and go back to the world - are they still Holy? Righteous? Blameless?
Hebrews 10: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, ...
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

I would think of Holiness and Righteousness in two ways.

1) Holiness with a capital H, Righteousness with a capital R

This is the Holiness/Righteousness that we are unable to attain, that must be imputed to us by God through our faith in Jesus.

2) holiness with a lower case h, righteousness with a lower case r.

These are the holiness and righteousness that we are commanded to abide by. We must strive to be as perfect as possible, just as our Father in Heaven is perfect.

 

[RJ]

Just discussing here, not arguing at all, you have so many great points in one thread!:
One's holiness needs to be evident in conduct and lifestyle and conversation - the fruit of the Spirit.[/QUOTE]
Yes they come upon us by this indwelling. Because of God's grace, he credits us with righteousness much like he did Abraham!

but one also needs to walk in the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit.
One's holiness needs to be evident in conduct and lifestyle and conversation - the fruit of the Spirit.

This is so central to the "Sanctification" process. Not only the fruit of righteousness but that of faith overall that is "dead" without these fruits (works) of the Holy Spirit through you...great point!

Not everybody keeps the faith and overcomes; many recant and go back to the world - are they still Holy? Righteous? Blameless?

I think we do see or at least made aware of many that do this or think they can. This alone is a major discussion on it's own, but I feel if you are truly"Born Again", this type of "falling away" doesn't happen!

Hebrews 10: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, ...

This is such a great point! If you are truly "Born Again", there remains no sacrifices for you, because God says he will never leave or forsake you!

 

[Chopper]

All that you have listed is most excellent and fundamental to a Christian walk - but holiness is more than that - I suppose the best expression from the Scriptures is separation from the corruption of carnal lusts and wanton covetousness of worldly desires. To be pure as opposed to being polluted.
Only to be attained by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who is able to burn up the chaff within a true believer.
Holiness is living for Jesus and being an overcomer by the power and work of the indwelling Spirit.
Living a life that is not conforming to worldly standards, worldly purposes, worldly values and the like.
In effect, the Lord purifying unto himself a peculiar people.

Now that my friend is a home run! I was hoping someone would mention the infilling and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is so much to discuss on this subject of holiness. What do you think of the importance of water baptism after conversion? How necessary is baptism to holiness. I'd like some of your thoughts, I like how you think.

 

[RJ]

Now that my friend is a home run! I was hoping someone would mention the infilling and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is so much to discuss on this subject of holiness. What do you think of the importance of water baptism after conversion? How necessary is baptism to holiness. I'd like some of your thoughts, I like how you think.

No trying to subjugate @Waggles but since this is not a PM and a open forum, I would like to respond.
Water Baptism can be a wonderful experience.I have seen many come to the Lord during this event, and I have seen many not feel converted and re-try the experience many times.
My personal belief is that Water Baptism and Holy Spirit Baptism are two different things and not dependent on each other. It is the "change in conscience toward God" that counts and this can happen in or out of the water!

 

[Chopper]

No trying to subjugate @Waggles but since this is not a PM and a open forum, I would like to respond.
Water Baptism can be a wonderful experience.I have seen many come to the Lord during this event, and I have seen many not feel converted and re-try the experience many times.
My personal belief is that Water Baptism and Holy Spirit Baptism are two different things and not dependent on each other. It is the "change in conscience toward God" that counts and this can happen in or out of the water!

Thank you JR. Your post is most welcome. I have enjoyed your posts as well. You appear to me as a very grounded believer in the things of the Lord. I agree with your statement. Personally, after I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit were generated with power that were only there before. It's as if those gifts were available to me, I tried using them, especially "love" but it was weak. Here I was, a pastor of several churches without genuine love for the people. For years I cried out for the love of Jesus for His people. Try as I would, nothing but a forced love on my part worked.

Several events happened of which I won't take the time to explain, just to say, I absolutely surrendered my life to Jesus in 1990. The Holy Spirit came on me for four days of which I'll never forget. After that, the love I was begging for came out like a river. Other gifts were manifesting themselves as needed by the Holy Spirit. Holiness? I could sense a change in my heart toward the desires of the world as compared to the things of the Spirit.

 

[RJ]

Thank you JR. Your post is most welcome. I have enjoyed your posts as well. You appear to me as a very grounded believer in the things of the Lord. I agree with your statement. Personally, after I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit were generated with power that were only there before. It's as if those gifts were available to me, I tried using them, especially "love" but it was weak. Here I was, a pastor of several churches without genuine love for the people. For years I cried out for the love of Jesus for His people. Try as I would, nothing but a forced love on my part worked.

Several events happened of which I won't take the time to explain, just to say, I absolutely surrendered my life to Jesus in 1990. The Holy Spirit came on me for four days of which I'll never forget. After that, the love I was begging for came out like a river. Other gifts were manifesting themselves as needed by the Holy Spirit. Holiness? I could sense a change in my heart toward the desires of the world as compared to the things of the Spirit.

Praise God! It appears, you were truly "Born Again" the second time, or the second time you finally realized who was in you!. I had been in a church, raised my kids there, for 30 years, I received the Holy Spirit 11 years ago....never will forget it and when Satin tries to creep in, I just go back to that day I first believed and he goes away! I like to say in my spiritual life there was BC and AC, Before Christ and After Christ. BC, I knew of God and Jesus, now AC, I know God and I know Christ! Glad you are here!:thumbsup:

 

[Cturtle]

Now that my friend is a home run! I was hoping someone would mention the infilling and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is so much to discuss on this subject of holiness. What do you think of the importance of water baptism after conversion? How necessary is baptism to holiness. I'd like some of your thoughts, I like how you think.

I'm definitely interested to hear the explanation myself, but thought i would add my 2 cents. I think that water baptism is important, because it is a sign of obedience to God, His ways, commands and His Word. And when we obey God in all ways, it pleases Him and shows Him that we have a willing heart and attitude. Thus we are teachable and open to anything He desires for us to do.
Thanks for letting me share!