A Call To Holiness

By Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Please read 1Th 4:1-8 before you go on. As Disciples of The Lord Jesus Christ, we have been called unto holiness. 2Tim 1:9 says we have been called with a holy calling. We should know how to possess our bodies in sanctification and honor. Sanctified means set apart to God as holy. The Bible says that we are sanctified (Heb 2:11, 10:10, 14) in our born-again spirit; but we are to also sanctify ourselves (Jam 4:8, 1Pt 2:11). We are to work outwardly, what has happened to us inwardly (Phi 2:12-13).

1Pe 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy ( Lev 11:44, 19:2). We are not to walk according to our former lusts (before we were saved) when we were ignorant of God’s righteousness; but rather we are to be holy, because he is holy. We are to yield ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness (Rom 6:19); and the fruit of our life now should be unto holiness (Rom 6:22, Gal 5:22-23).

We need to always stay sensitive to God. I love being around newborn Christians. There is a passion, a fire, a sensitivity to God that is contagious. They still remember the horrible pit God pulled them from, and are so thankful to God that they don’t want to do anything to disappoint Him. They understand they are bought with a price, the precious Blood of Jesus; and they separate themselves from the world. They even get rid of things that aren’t necessarily bad, but are just worldly. They are children of God now, and they want to live holy, separated lives for their Heavenly Father.

It should be that baby Christians should be able to look up to older Christians to see what holy living is all about; but unfortunately, it’s usually the opposite. The older Christians usually have to look at the younger newborns to get some passion, sanctification, and commitment back in their lives. Many times old saints have left their first love (Rev 2:4), and have become lukewarm (Rev 3:15-16). After a while they started making subtle compromises in their life. Those things they forsook when they were passionate and sensitive to God, now aren’t so bad. A little compromise here, a little there. Pretty soon you’re back listening to the old stuff; you’re watching the old stuff; you’re talking the old way; you’re going to old places; you’re doing the old things; you’re hanging around you’re old friends. There is no fruit in your life, and your witness is ruined. How are you going to talk to someone about Jesus now? You’ll just be pegged another typical Christian hypocrite. These things ought not be.

I’m not trying to be mean folks, just trying to be real. If you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit. If this hit you, then repent! It’s not to late for you. You can regain the passion and zeal and sensitivity to God that you once had. His mercy is new every morning. Forsake the unclean, the unholy, the worldly and fleshly lusts in your life! Get real with God and with yourself! Stop making excuses for what your doing and trying to justify it. Get rid of it in The Name Of Jesus! You can do it by the power of The Holy Spirit!

You probably already know what Holy Spirit is dealing with you about; but in case you don’t, get alone before God and open up completely and totally to Him. Let Him into every area of your life, holding nothing back. He’ll reveal it to you, cleanse you, & give you power to overcome! If you want to know what God says is unholy and His children shouldn’t be doing, read these verses (Gal 5:16-21, Rom 1:29-31, 1Cor 6:9-10, Eph 5:3-5, 2Tim 3:2-5, Heb 12:14).

I pray this has helped someone get back on track in their walk with God. We have been called to holiness, and we need to remember that. We’re children of God, so let’s follow in the footsteps of Jesus (1Pt 2:21); let’s be conformed to His image (Rom 8:29); Let’s remember that we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1Pt 2:9-12). Until next time, rejoice in the Lord!