Possessing true holiness
Ephesians 4:24 “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Gracious scriptural holiness is highly different from the religious superficial holiness we see today.
There are people who are religious and think that is holiness. There are others who think that being hospitable is holiness. There are some who think that knowing the bible cover to cover is holiness. There are many who think that having rigid principles is holiness. There are a lot who think that denominationalism is holiness.
There are others who think that outward countenance is holiness. There are people who think that self righteousness is holiness. There are others who think that doing good to people is holiness. There are others too who think being active in church programs: like rushing out to lead in prayers and praises, being an usher, a choristers, a minister is what holiness entails.
Holiness is more than these. For the LORD desireth truth in the inward part. No man is Supremely, originally, essentially holy, save God. Our inward depravity inherited from Adam has taken away the goodness of heart and life. And that’s why God through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, perform sanctification in the hearts of truly born again Christians. To take away that stony heart, and give them the heart of flesh. He also creates a right spirit within them after which you can then live in righteousness and true holiness.
The characteristics of true holiness
This true holiness is loving God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength. True holiness is the purity of heart. True holiness entails total obedience to the word of God. True holiness involves brotherly love, and doing good to all men. True holiness is the charity that never fails. True holiness prays for all his enemies and even them that despitefully use him. True holiness weeps, and is passionate about sinners.
True holiness defends the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. True holiness is not weary of preaching right. True holiness is not self conscious and money minded. True holiness is not a friend to the world, but a student of the Bible. True holiness stands for the truth even if it will bring ridicule, shame, reviling, mockery, conspiracy, hatred, and even cost his life. True holiness follows peace with all men.
Therefore, let us examine ourselves whether we have this true holiness. To know if our hearts are right in the sight of God. Whether our ways are upright, and righteous before him. If not, let us return to God and he will have mercy and abundantly pardon.
Lastly, stop that rat race, and turn around. Put on your thinking cap and be wise. And follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Reagan Azoyenime is a born again Christian and an undergraduate student of Ambrose Ali University, Nigeria. He writes edifying Christian messages centred on salvation in Christ and holiness.
E-mail: razoyenime@gmail.com
