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What we Believe
Holiness of Life and Conduct
The holiness of God has different aspects:-
- His self completeness, all his attributes combining
in one wholeness.
- His perfection
- His separateness from his creation
- His purity, his involvement in his creation
- His providence, “Be ye holy, for I am
holy”
The believer’s holiness is a reflection of
God’s. It is a separation from the old life and its sins - sanctification,
it is a manifestation of the new life and its service - consecration, it is a
progression towards maturity - Christian perfection. Sanctification is a
twofold work. From God’s side we are sanctified by the spirit, through the
word, on the grounds of the atonement of Christ. From our side we exercise
faith and discipline. Sanctification begins with regeneration, progresses in
conformity to the will of God, and is consummated at the second advent.
Christians are saints positionally, in that union with
Christ separates us from the world and brings us into the family of God;
potentially, in that by the grace of God all the possibilities of the
Christ-life can develop in us; practically, in that obedience to the word of
God will occasion our living what we believe. Sanctification is walking in the
light of God, showing the love of God, and living the life of God. It is not
sinless perfection. The clash of the believer’s two natures often produces
a struggle, and calls for drastic measures of self-control. But victory is
assured. Although beset by sin it is possible for a believer to live without
sinning, to the glory of God.
Scripture references: 1 Peter 1:14-16; Hebrews 12:14;
Roamns 6:6, 11-14, 22, 12:1, 2: Philippians 3:12-14; Hebrews 6:1; 1 Peter 1:2;
1 Thessolonians 5:23; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 10:10; Acts 15:9; 2 Corinthians
3:18; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 5:22-25; John
3:17; 1 John 1:7, 2:6; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 1:8,10; Romans 7:14-24;
Galatians 5:17; Matthew 5:29,30; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Hebrews
12:1; 1 John 2:1, 3:9, 5:4,5; Romans 7:25. |
