Study Guide
The Power And Nature Of Holiness
732 words, about 4 min read
The essence of holiness is best understood as a relationship with God that is acceptable unto Him. This relationship is more than just adhering to religious practices; it is a state of being that aligns with the divine will and character of God. It is characterized by purity, righteousness, and sanctification.
Holiness is the power over sin and all the works of satan, and it is required for fulfilling God's purposes. Holiness is not a journey in the flesh attempting to do spiritual things; rather, it is a life lived in the Spirit.
This spiritual life is a commitment to manifest what we were created to be; the righteousness of God. The power of holiness is about to be manifested in the lives of the Sons and their ministry to the people of God and the world. This will happen whether we are a part of it or not. The Lord has tarried long with the Body of Christ. He will no longer tarry. Soon there will be “time no more.”
The Lord has systematically brought us to a place wherein we know how to obtain purity and preference for holiness. We have come to this place in our spiritual journey, despite the long road of overcoming traditions, lusts, wants, offenses, and pride.
Holiness is also a state of constant submission to the will of the Father. This submission is necessary for the glory that was in the face of Christ to shine in our countenance, or for the power of Christ to rest upon us. Thus, we must walk in the mind of Christ at all times.
A SHADOW OF TURNING
It is time for us to be extremely honest with ourselves. “Why can’t I manifest the Christ living in me at all times and in all situations? Why am I not certain of the power of God working through me?”
You must examine whether your focus and strength has been on the need to constantly choose righteousness. If this is the case, then even before the choice is made, it is most likely that your disposition is already unrighteous.
Allow me to clarify this. A continuous need to choose righteousness indicates a departure from it. This means you should not always have to come into a situation, or a set of circumstances, nor a relationship where you must now choose to do the righteous thing. This should be a natural occurrence for you. To have to always choose is to live in a state of always considering the alternative. Therefore, it is manifest that within is a shadow of turning in your heart.
The journey of holiness is not without its oppositions.
They include...
- A refusal to allow the Word to change certain mindsets, ways, traditions, or erroneous beliefs.
- Iniquity, which is the act of breaking God's law in thought, word, or deed, is another opposition, as it stops the flow of love.
- Unforgiveness, unrepentance towards sin, and pride are also considerable obstructions on the path to a holy life.
The power of holiness extends beyond the individual. It produces an anointing that destroys yokes in the lives of others. The walk of holiness makes an impression on the mind, training it to prefer holiness and find sin repulsive. This transformation is so profound that witnessing it in someone else's life is powerful enough to create a desire for God in others.
As 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 states, God's will is that we should
- abstain from fornication,
- possess our bodies in sanctification and honor,
- and not live in the lust of concupiscence, as the Gentiles who know not God.
This power of the Holy Spirit separates us from the world and its ways, confirming that holiness is not optional but a commandment for those who follow Christ.
To conclude…
- The walk of holiness is a journey of transformation and sanctification.
- It is a path that requires constant submission to the will of the Father, embodying the mind of Christ, and abstaining from sinful desires.
- By walking in the righteousness of God, we manifest what we were created to be, displaying a powerful testimony that can inspire others to desire God.
With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can live a holy life, demonstrating God's power over sin and satan's works. Ultimately, holiness is the power to live a life pleasing to God, reflecting His divine will and character.