Thanks for your comments Travis. Good thoughts from the Word. Also, thanks for being my first registered blogger. Allow me to back up what I think you are saying. I think you are saying that God is the architect of our “holiness.” We cannot make ourselves holy, or invent our own definition of righteousness and then call it “holy.” “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom 10:17). But, we must be careful of the misguided ideas in the religious world that a man’s own will or decision has no part in this process. I am not saying you are suggesting this, but others do. The power of God’s Word calls “whosoever will” to hear and obey (Rev 22:17). That is God’s decision, God’s will, God’s way or whatever one wants to call it. Those who seek, will find; those who knock, shall be opened unto. Back to “holy.”
It is only by the amazing Word of God that we have a clue about what “holy” really means. Since the first prophet of God opened His mouth, God has by His Spirit, been trying to reason, instruct and guide mankind back to Himself. The “Holy” Word He delivers is powerful to bring about this desire of God. What does God give the Holy Word the ability to do when combined with faith??
*It is the “power of God” unto salvation: (Rom 1:16).
*It is the engrafted Word which is about to save our souls:
James 1:21-22: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. {22} But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
*It is the “holy scripture” which is able to make us wise unto salvation: (2 Tim 3:15).
*It is the incorruptible, everlasting seed which when obeyed can bring about new birth and purify our souls:
1 Pet 1:22-23: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: {23} Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
*It is the will of God revealed to transform us into a living sacrifice pleasing to God. (Rom 12:1,2).
*It is living, powerful and sharp enough to penetrate our minds and reveal to us who we really are and where we stand with God:
Heb 4:12: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
*It is the only “holy” guide to what God considers to be good or evil:
Heb 5:13-14: "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. {14} But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Just a few thoughts on the unique purpose and power to change us, which God has declared His Word to have. That is why it is to be preached to every creature (Mark 16:15,16). By the way, no other religious teaching, but God’s Word has this kind of power. It is unique, it is “holy.”
There are many ideas in the religious world about what is “holy” (Who, What or Where). But only that which is from God or that which is produced by God’s will is truly Holy. Let me illustrate the word “holy” with an illustration which just popped into my head. It may not be perfect, but get the main point.
The religious world is a like many people who have, in general, discovered where God lives. Some are content to move into His town or even into His neighborhood, thinking this is enough to qualify as faith. Others buy a house across the street. Some have camped out at His gate. Some are squating in His yard. Some are standing at His door, but do not have the courage to knock. Some have knocked, entered and plopped themselves down in His living room, content that they are in the house. Some are just outside the door of His room trying to understand Him above the human confusion and noise. Some boldly enter His room and congregate around the walls, singing praises at the awesome presence of God. But, the only ones who will ever be truly “holy” are those who have planted themselves at His feet, refusing to leave. These feet people, humbly and obediently soak in every Word which comes from His mouth. Every Word they hear, makes them want to hear more. Their ears and hearts are being constantly exposed to the holy and eternal Word. Because they believe what they hear and love God, they obey and are transformed and made new. The Truth makes them free and sets them apart from the world.
Jesus prayed for His disciples to be set apart and different from the world (“sanctified”). He prayed God would accomplish this through His Word of Truth.
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
We must never misunderstand or underestimate the power God has placed in His Word to Save and make us Holy. We have now discovered where God can be heard anytime we want to listen. We now know at least where to learn about true holiness. Where do you live in God’s neighborhood?
"… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Mat 4:4).
Thanks Travis
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