1. I believe salvation is much more than forgiveness. That is not to be dismissive of the essential nature of our justification. Our forgiveness has been provided for by Jesus, but it is not the end of God's salvific work, but the means toward holiness. Addressing the legal spiritual need leads to God's provision to meet our relational spiritual need. God wants to forgive us so that He can sanctify us through and through!
2. The desperate need of God's church in witness to the world is holy living. In some places there is barely a discernable difference between the morality of those in the church and those not in the church. Scandal plagues the church in North America. Sexual immorality, a lack of financial accountability, abuse, and biblical compromise marks too many leaders and churches. Many have chosen to accept sinful behavior in their leaders as they have accepted it in themselves. But God promises a deep cleansing and transformation too often untold in our churches.
3. I have experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That moment, while I was bowed at an altar of prayer, cleansed my heart of pride/ self-centeredness and empowered me to walk in obedient fellowship to Him. Sanctification experienced is of great worth! If one has been in the "upper room" and experienced this work of God, how can they cease to speak about what they've experienced and been given by the Holy Spirit?
4. Scripture calls us to this reality. Repeatedly we are admonished to be Holy as He is Holy. If this command is nothing more than "a carrot on a stick" then God has placed us in a hamster wheel pursuing without ever obtaining even though He has promised in Scripture that "He will surely do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 The aim of Scripture is not sinful living. It is not even worldly living. The aim of Scripture is that we would live holy in this life!
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5. The Holy Spirit leads us into the fullness of holiness. Any new believer naturally pursues the things of God. Sometimes, we begin to resist the draw of the Holy Spirit into deeper spiritual places. Often the leading of the Spirit requires that we die to certain behaviors or habits. The Spirit directs us to do die to self will and pride. Like Jesus, we too are called to pray. "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Matt 26:29. Outside of our carnal resistance we would realize that the most natural thing is to follow the prompting of the Creator to participate in His holiness.
6. I believe the standard Christian life should be one of victory in Jesus. Victory and forgiveness over past sin is necessary to begin a relationship with God (righteousness). But God also intends for us to have victory over our self. While Satan is certainly an adversary roaming about to find someone to devour, he is not our greatest enemy. Our greatest enemy is self! And God has made provision that we could die out to self and live a life of full devotement to Christ! I believe in victory!
7. I believe in real transformation. Certainly the new birth sets us on a new course for how we act in life. Repentance is a change of mind about actions that we previously participated in that were sin in the eyes of God. But God never intended for us to end with behavior modification. God has made provision through his death and resurrection, not only for us to act different, but that we would actually be different! That our heart would be cleansed and made pure so that we could love him with all our heart! God can change our desires. Our longings, dreams, will, and desires can be made holy. That's real transformation to the core.
Why are you a proponent of the message of Scriptural Holiness?
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This is one of the best explanations I could imagine.
ReplyDeleteHoliness is God-Likeness!
It encompasses Justification, Regeneration, The New Birth and Entire Sanctification. You've covered the bases!