Comments on: God Says, “Be Holy!”

By: Harris

Harris — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:45:26 +0000

Gary,

I agree that holiness in the OT was a line of demarcation between Israel and other nations– or separation as you put it. That same line is not present in the New Testament as the NT seeks to include rather than separate. Only, note that that inclusion is in Christ. So, while the OT separation between nations is no longer the mark of holiness, the separation between those who are in Christ and those who are not in Christ IS the NT mark of holiness.

Thanks for the conversation. Antipas

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 21:06:53 +0000

part 2 of reply -

oh and the importance of the the coming of the Holy Spirit (the presence) is the fulfillment of Abraham’s promise (no more separation) in Gal 3. The reason why seeking God’s presence becomes so important.

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 21:01:22 +0000

Hello again,

Thanks for your reply. I agree that the New Testament does not refine the definition of holiness explicitly. However, briefly, considering Paul’s discussion of the Antioch incident with Peter (Gal 2), Paul talks about building up what had been torn down (v. 18) and that doing so would indeed make him a transgressor of the law. The idea here being that maintaining a division between Jew and Gentile (relationships or loving one another) negates the work of Christ.

The law (where holiness is defined) is introduced in Exodus. The scripture uses the term holy before it is defined when Moses approaches the burning bush. Holiness is a concept that indicates the separation between Israel and the Gentile nations. The law functioned as a fence (separation) to maintain Israel’s identity so that the Messiah could accomplish the promise made to Abraham that all nations would be blessed by his seed (the reason Gal 3 contrasts the promise and the law). It seems that the law concentrated sin onto one nation and then onto that nation’s Messiah so that a representative could conquer sin and death for all people everywhere and in every time

The coming of Christ is the fulfillment of the law (its purpose achieved). Therefore, the reason for separation in the meaning of holy (as associated with the law) is irrelevant. Holiness is now not necessarily a term of separation (as originally introduced). It is now a term that requires relational integration (love) at some level.

Hopefully in my haste I have not truncated my ideas too much.

blessings

By: Harris

Harris — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:54:17 +0000

Yolanda,

Thank you for your comment.

Many blessings!

Antipas

By: Yolanda

Yolanda — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:11:35 +0000

Dr. Harris,
I think this was a very well written piece and it needed to be said. Lately, it seems that churches and Christians have been putting more of an emphasis on reaching the lost, rather than presenting ourselves the way that God has commanded us to. Leviticus 20:7 states, “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” I think it’s great that we are reaching so many people and now its “cool” to be in God’s kingdom. However, are we reaching people and presenting ourselves the way HE wants us to?

In my opinion, many have gone away with the term “Holiness” because it has become synonymous with “self-righteousness” and those who are very judgmental have used to that term to scare off people that didn’t look, think or operate in the same fashion as they themselves. There has been so much hypocrisy that what God envisions of a Holy, Godly people, has gotten lost somewhere in Hebrew translation. True holiness resonates in one’s heart and it comes out through their lives. Holiness is supposed to be unto God, because man can only look on the outside, but God sees one’s true self.

Ultimately, one truth remains. God is no respecter of persons, but we should strive to do what pleases HIM. In my humble opinion, true holiness is in the lives that each one of us lives, just as long as it’s pleasing unto the Lord.

Respectfully,
Yolanda

By: Harris

Harris — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:30:40 +0000

Laurette,

Thank you for your comment. I am happy that you resonate with the notion that holiness is not a denomination but a way of life. Keep telling the world about it!

Antipas

By: Harris

Harris — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:29:10 +0000

Sister Fabulous,

Thank you so much for your comment!

Antipas

By: Lauretta Anderson

Lauretta Anderson — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:31:29 +0000

This is a well-written and well thought out essay that I concur with entirely. I grew up in what others called the “sanctified or holiness” church. However, after my own born again experience, I have realized that holiness is not a denomination but a standard that God expects every blood washed believer to adhere to. I preached a sermon titled “There’s Nothing Wrong With Living Holy” because it seems as if too many people believe there is. Let’s get back to showing people that holy living can be lived through the power of the Holy Spirit and that we as Christians must live according to God’s standard. It is just too comfortable for us to conform to the world but Jesus died so that there would be a notable difference between the holy and the profane. Again, I enjoyed this essay and hope I can reference it as I continue to preach and teach holiness without which no man, woman, boy, or girl, can see God! (Had to give a nod to my Pentecostal roots!)

By: Sister Fabulous

Sister Fabulous — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:06:29 +0000

The article Is indeed filled with excitement because the author assessments regarding the plight of where we are as Christians today compare to the early church In my opinion is rather sad. Sad because the church and the world more often than not look and act the same. but there is still hope because Jesus is at the right hand of the Father always interceding for us and that’s good news. furthermore, as Jesus is holy, we are to look at his life as a perfect example to see what holy means. Also, we need to be swift to hear and slow to speak when hearing so many today saying I’m a Christian but the fruit they bear says otherwise. in the end, the only thing that will matter is what we do for the Father God.

By: Harris

Harris — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:31:31 +0000

Walt,

Thank you for your insight, connecting love to holiness. Love is certainly central to holiness and must not be seen as separate from it or antithetical to it.

Moreover, I do not see the tension between Word and Spirit. I would love to hear more of how you see the tension. The Spirit is called the “Holy Spirit.” In my view, the Word is sealed by the Spirit. The Holiness is the character of God. The Spirit is fully God. So, the Spirit that seals the Word in our hearts and minds is the holiness that the believer should live out in our daily lives.

Help me see how you might see this differently.

Antipas