THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 12 of 20

HOLINESS

For some, holiness is the main thing. It is their emphasis, and scarcely do you hear anything else from them. Let no one think for a single moment that teaching and insistence upon holiness is to be despised. We rejoice in all who pursue it, and those who are bold enough to declare its essentiality to an indulgent society.

Holiness, however, is something that cannot stand by itself. It is involved in God's objective, but is not the objective itself. Holiness is a means to an appointed end. Without that "end," holiness has no significant meaning. Hear the word of the Lord. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall SEE THE LORD" (Heb 12:14). Remove the prospect of seeing the Lord, and "holiness" has no real objective. Salvation does not have this world, or life in it, as its primary objective. This world will "pass away," and therefore is not at the heart of God's purpose for you (2 Pet 3:10-12).

It is possible to strive for impeccable holiness with absolutely no regard for "seeing the Lord." The Pharisees had a penchant for precise moral conduct--at least so far as their public image was concerned. They held to the tradition of the elders, which was very exacting in its requirements from people. Of that tradition the Gospels record, "For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables" (Mark 7:3-4). For some, that type of conduct is equated with holiness. This is not, however, the proclamation of Scripture.

Mark you, this does not mean strict commitment to exemplary conduct is not proper. It does mean that is not the end of the matter. Making external holiness the apex of spiritual life would be like coming out of Egypt without getting into Canaan. Keeping the Passover Feast with all of its precision (Exodus 12), coming out of Egypt, and even crossing through the Red Sea, were not enough. There were hundreds of thousands of Israelites who did this, yet never got into Canaan. Their "carcases" fell in the wilderness because of their unbelief (Heb 3:17). They "were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink . . . " (1 Cor 10:2-4). Yet, "with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness" (1 Cor 10:5). They forgot WHY they were delivered. They did not keep their hearts and minds upon the promised land.

Likewise, your holiness only makes sense in light of God's desire for you! He has reserved an inheritance for those in Christ, and all of life is pointless if they do not obtain it. What is more, that inheritance will not be obtained if it is not sought. Israel could not obtain Canaan while thinking of Egypt, and you cannot obtain your inheritance while thinking upon this world.

Our aim is to "see God." That is promise to all who are "pure in heart" (Matt 5:8). In view of that and other marvelous promises, you can "cleanse yourselves of all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor 7:1). But take that promise away, and holiness become tedious, and a discouraging endeavor. It is only as it fits into the purpose of God that it makes sense, and becomes doable.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to see my inheritance more clearly, so I can devote myself more heartily and effectively to the perfection of holiness in Your fear.

-- TOMORROW: SELF DENIAL --