A Call to Holiness
Chad Johnson
August 20, 2010

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." I Thes. 4:7 KJV

The word holiness comes from a Greek word (hag-ee-as-mos) that means the state of purity or to set apart from the world unto God. This is the exact same word sanctification comes from. In the old testament, tabernacle the vessels used in the offerings were sanctified unto the Lord. This meant they were set apart from common use unto holy uses. So it is with the vessel of our body. Once we repent of our sin and put our faith in Christ we are then set apart from the word unto God. Holiness is not a denomination. It is a way of life for the redeemed. Holiness seems to be a word this is missing from the modern day church. They want to talk of their liberty, but the Bible tells us not to use it for an occasion of the flesh or lasciviousness. Holiness is not an outward work, but and inward work of the grace of God that manifests itself outwardly. It is possible to have an outward form of holiness and not inward holiness. However, it is impossible to have an inward holiness and it not manifest itself outwardly. There are two aspects of holiness in the Christians life: positional and practical holiness.

First let's look at positional holiness. This holiness is when a person is saved and eternally set apart in to God's family. Ephesians 1:4 tells us that we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy in Him. Some may ask how can this be. It is because born again people are placed in Christ, and God no longer sees that person as a condemned sinner, but as a blood washed saint. The saved sinner is not holy because of his own righteousness, but because the righteousness of Christ has been imputed unto him and this man is blessed indeed.

Secondly, let's look at practical holiness. This is where the rubber meets the road. Practical holiness is to be holy in our daily living. This does not mean sinless perfection. We will never reach that in this body. But it is God's will for us to be holy as He is holy. Since a true saint is holy in position we should live up to that position by living a holy life. We are to mortify the deeds of the flesh.

I want to close with some good holy practices for positionally holy people. We should abstain from worldly places like dances, mixed swimming and worldly music concerts. We should not dress like the world. Nakedness is still a sin. Holy people wear plenty of clothes in public. They also know the difference between men's clothes and women's clothes. Holiness is not only set from sin, but unto God.

We that are saved are set unto prayer, Bible study, attending the services of God, soul winner, support of missions and love to mankind. God is calling his people to practical holiness. Are you listening? Amen.