The Privileged Gift of Holiness

In the message "Put On The New Self" we saw how we become a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17) when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. When we are brought into a right relationship with God through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we begin a process of learning what it means to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24a) and live a life of "true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24b). But many people still struggle with the idea of holiness.

Some view holiness as an unnecessary set of rules and cling to "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Others simply don't give holy living any thought. They take Jesus to church on Sunday morning but then return Him to the shelf for the rest of their "normal" week. In either case, the point of true freedom and a loving relationship with the eternal God has been sadly missed.

Romans 6:2-4
"We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Salvation involves death and new life! When we truly believe in Jesus we become united with Him in His death; "our old self was crucified with Him" (Romans 6:6), and we become united with Him in His life; "count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11).

A child of God is no longer controlled by the sinful nature; "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life" (Romans 6:22). The result of being set free is eternal life but the benefit is holiness.

How often do we recognize holiness as a benefit - a blessed gift given to all who believe? Holiness is a wonderful privilege (not a burden or obligation) and can only be accomplished by living a new life in Christ. We are no longer children of worldly darkness but children of the Light of God. When Jesus truly resides in our heart, His thoughts become our thoughts and His desires become our desires.

Without Christ, a holy life is not even possible. When Jesus says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10), He is talking about the blessings in this present life which come though a life of purity and complete commitment. Following Jesus in all things is truly living life to the fullest!

Jesus Christ is the Creator Who gave His life so we can be restored. Let's walk with Him every moment of every day. Let's begin to truly live the new life in Christ and gratefully receive the privileged gift of holiness.