The Privileged Gift of Holiness
8-20-04

In the last few messages we've seen how the sacrifice of Jesus has allowed a path for us to "Believe and Be Restored" into a right relationship with our Heavenly Father. We were then exhorted to mature in our faith and worship God by "Living a Holy Life" as "A Faithful and Loving Bride."

This has been a good series to help us understand the wonderful gift we have through faith in Jesus as well as the life we should now live. 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. When Jesus truly resides in our heart, His thoughts become our thoughts and His desires become our desires. This IS the path of a holy life!

Let's walk with Jesus - the Creator of the Universe Who gave His life so we can live - every moment of every day. Let's begin to live the new life and fully receive the privileged gift of holiness.

Have A Great Day!