What is holiness? What does it mean to be holy? Is being Christian and holy considered the same thing?
To begin to answer these questions, I will start with what Paul told the Romans in Romans 12:1 & 2. In this passage of scripture, he’s imploring the brethren to present their bodies as a living sacrifice that is HOLY and acceptable to God. He tells them that this is a reasonable request. Is it a reasonable request? YES!
Because God loves us so much that He gave His only Son (John 3:16) as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, it is the very least we can do!
So, how are we to be holy or be a living sacrifice? Does this mean if we are these things that we are a Christian? Does this mean if I do and am all these things that my house is in order?
The dictionary.com definition of Holy is: (a) specially recognized as or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated, (b) dedicated or devoted to the service of God. The Hebrew word for Holy is qodesh meaning “set apart”; “apartness”; “totally other."
A living sacrifice means that you sacrifice self to please God. All of your earthly desires, plans, and will are submitted to (voluntarily) and replaced by God’s desires, plans, and will for your life. In essence, in order for us to be holy and present ourselves holy, we must sacrifice and surrender our will and fleshly desires, for the will of the Father. This reasonable service will set us apart from the world making us a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to Jesus.
Does this make us a Christian??? While when one hears the term “Christian” it is thought that whatever or whoever the word is being applied to that it is Christ-like. Dictionary.com says that the definition of Christian is (a) of, relating to, or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings, (b) of, pertaining to, believing in, or belonging to the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, (c) exhibiting a spirit proper to a follower of Jesus Christ.
When the rubber meets the road, NO! Anyone, even non-believers can exhibit characteristics becoming of Christ. Many caring attributes that people display are Christ-like or derived from His teachings. However, fully surrendering your life to His will and His purpose is completely different and requires a sacrifice far greater than just saying you are a Christian.
Getting our house in order is THAT sacrifice! Christ is coming back for a church without spot (imperfections) or wrinkle (sins). Often times I here “Christians” say the below phrases. And If these are phrases you use, it’s high time to GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER!
In parentheses are the scriptures that coincide with what the Bible says about them being unholy. All of the actions that usually accompany these words are sin! You CANNOT be holy or a living sacrifice, practicing these or any other sins! God hates sin because He is a holy God! And sin stinks in His nostrils! The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:8 that He that commits sin is off the devil.
- I love God, but I still curse:
Cursing is a sin. Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8, James 3:10, Ephesians 5:4, and Matthew 12:36-37). If greek organizations are based on Christian principles, then why is a great deal of profane language used by its members in and out of organizational affiliated gatherings?
- I love God AND I love trap music:
This could be a whole other post in and of itself. Music is a very powerful tool that can and has been used in the biblical days as well as the present. Even modern science has noted its effects on the brain and cognitive interaction. Music makes us think. If the music you’re listening to doesn’t line up with Philippians 4:8, then you are practicing sin. Have you ever been to your organizations’ events or gatherings and heard music that did not fall into the categories of this passage of scripture? Rethink what you allow into your mind and spirit. Ultimately, when there is a question as to what to allow into your mind and spirit through any media (music, movies, social media, etc.) seek God’s guidance (Psalms 86:11).
- As long as I have grace:
This statement is usually the response that follows after a person has committed a sin or done something that does not align with God’s requirement of holy living. It is used to excuse the behavior and provides a false sense of security in being “right with The Lord. Yes, God does give us grace. However, He can grow tired of our repentance from partaking in habitual sinful behavior. Romans 6, verses 1 and 2 sums this up quite clearly. Paul asks the Romans “Are you going to continue committing sin just because God’s grace exists in large amounts??? Please understand that God will not allow it! If you are dead to sin (living holy, a professed Christian), how and why are you continuing to sin?” Continuing to participate in and PRACTICE the lusts of the flesh (ungodly desires: fornication, smoking, drinking, etc.), the lusts of the eyes (covetousness, adultery, etc), and the pride of life (partaking in your greek organization, self-love, do what thy wilt, etc.) 1 John 2:16, are all thought to be excused because of grace. Not So!
- Only God can judge me:
Ohhhh, you are so right! If and when God is allowing His grace to prevail and warning you of your actions through His servants, it is in your best interests to listen and adhere to the servant of God’s plea. God is the ultimate and final judge. But, wouldn’t you rather know where you are going wrong now while here on earth??? Knowing, receiving, and adhering now provides the ability to repent and turn from the sins that you are committing, rather than being stubborn and refusing correction then suffering the punishment? (Isaiah 13:11, Romans 2: 5 & 6). This last scripture is one of many that speak to why pledging to sororities and fraternities is sin. Exodus 20:4 -5 specifically tells us “not to make any graven image of anything in heaven, on earth or in the water under the earth”. It tells us “Do not bow down thyself to these graven images or any likeness of them”!!
What do you think Minerva, Appolo, Athena, etc., are??
- It’s not that serious:
One of the most repeated statements I have gotten since I denounced was/is, “It ain’t that serious” or “Is it that serious?”. This is usually the response to my pointing out that the things we say or yield ourselves to while participating in organization rituals and gatherings, is ungodly. However, it can and has pertained to music we listen to, books we read, movies we watch, gossip we listen to, what we let our children take part in etc. My answer or statement is a resounding YES! It is that serious! It is VERY SERIOUS! The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:23 to above all guard our heart, because from it are the issues of life. Often times we wonder why our lives are so torn up. But, we must take inventory for what we have consumed through our eyes, ears, and mind. What you put into your body will come out. So, when you say or sing “All of my love, my peace, and happiness, I’m gonna give it to….., what are you really saying?? Have you even thought about that?
- YOLO: (You only live once, really?)
How do you figure this? According to God’s Word that is so far from the truth. You are living life right now in a body made of flesh that is corruptible, see 1 Corinthians 15:42-53. BUT, when Jesus returns, everyone will (those dead and those alive) be given a new body to “live” their new life in. What your new body and life is like is determined by what you have done on earth and whether or not you repented and lived for Him and not self. If you live/lived holy, you will receive a glorified body as Jesus did when he was resurrected (Philippians 3:10-11). If you lived in/practiced sin, then your new body will be one that can never be consumed by, but will feel the pain and agony of your new home (Matthew 13:42, Matthew 25: 41 & 46, and 2 Peter 2:4). Hebrews 9:27, shows down this “YOLO” lie is from the pit of hell sent to deceive many people. Yes, man will die (a physical death) once, but after that comes judgment. Once you have received judgment, you will carry out (live) that judgment in heaven or hell.
- Let me put my religion on the shelf:
For the purpose of this topic, Dictionary.com defines religion as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects. So essentially a person that says this is saying that they are going to put what they believe to be right, wrong, just, moral, sin, etc. aside for the sake of engaging in behavior that is contrary to that belief. Living holy and salvation do not work that way! You cannot just put God to the side or on a shelf! When he requires you to be a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto Him, that requirement lasts every second of everyday that you have life! Ephesians 4:22-32 slams the hammer that nails the door shut on this phrase! When you are holy, you put away the former man. The old man can no longer rule you and your actions, because the Ruler seat is now occupied by a holy God! Bottom line if you don’t want to COMMIT to living holy, according to Revelations 22:11, if you’re unjust, just be unjust still; if you’re filty, just be filthy still; he that is RIGHTEOUS, let him be righteous STILL; and he that is HOLY, let him be holy STILL!!
These are a few of the common phrases or sayings I’ve heard in witnessing to people and sharing my testimony. I pray that you receive the blessings of ALL of the information that is contained in these blog posts and that they nudge you to research and read God’s Word for yourself. If you research and receive with a sincere heart, God will bring about that renewal of mind, causing you to make haste in getting your house in order. God bless you richly!!