A Great Warning

We are finally coming to a close for the week! We have been discussing the things that affect man the most - sin. We saw how God solved the problem of sin on the cross by Christ. Though His sacrifice was to save us all from sin still there is a struggle. Christ is the mediator between God the Father and his children (us). And on the day of salvation, God gave us a robe of righteousness and we adorn that. This is our current spiritual status. We need to be cautious to not adorn our previous rags instead of the robe of righteousness. This happens when we live without relying on God. We also have a growth in holiness. We have received the free gift of salvation and along with it comes the robe of righteousness. Most importantly, the renewal of our minds plays a big role in our spiritual status that God has entrusted into our lives.

2 Corinthians 7:1 says Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

In 2 Corinthians 6 we can see the promises that are being referred to here in chapter 7. This passage is not referring to the stains of sin that reflect in our spirit after we receive salvation. Rather, it is referring to letting go of the sins that generally stain our spirits. In respect and fear of God, we need to perfect holiness.
 
Hebrews 12:4 says In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

This passage mentions how in this sinful world, in our fight against the sinful nature we have not resisted unto death. God’s will for us to grow in holiness and for this we need to develop a passion for holiness. A holy man is not the one who cannot sin but a holy man is one who will not sin even if there are chances to sin. We all have opportunities that present itself in front of us to fall into sin but we need to fight against it. This is what makes us stand apart and grow in holiness.
 
In the Old Testament, the life of Joseph is a good example for us to learn from. He had all the opportunities to fall into the trap of sin every day of his life but he did not succumb to sin. Even Jesus could have sinned during his time on earth because he was living in the flesh and he was also presented with opportunities. Satan and plenty of others came and tempted Jesus but he stood firm. We can reinforce holiness through our lives, what we see, our words, our thoughts, our actions etc.

Holiness comes from the inside. What is in our hearts, shows on the outside as well be it good or bad. Holiness is a way of life that affects everything we do. Holiness is a lifestyle. It is a choice we make. We will need to fight and struggle to make this choice to remain in holiness.
 
God does not look only for perfect vessels but purified vessels!

2 Timothy 2:21 says Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Some warnings to watch out for:

• When a believer is blessed materially or spiritually with gifts of the Holy Spirit that is not proof that he/she is holy. 

This is a common misconception. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:7 says Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
1 Corinthians 3:3 says You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

So, keep in mind that success, achievement, accomplishments, victories, etc do not guarantee holiness.
 
Romans 6:1-2 says (1) What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? (2) By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Romans 5:20 says The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more

Our main goal in life should be to grow in holiness!