The Word is Holiness - Part 4

The Word is Holiness  - Part 4

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Since no sin can stand in God’s presence, Christians must—and will be—sinless when they see the Lord compare 1 John 3:2 (NKJV) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. That realization offers motivation for pursuing holiness here and now. But the author may also have had in mind the thought that one’s perception of God even now is conditioned by his real measure of holiness (cf. Matt. 5:8).

Believers must try to live in peace with everyone. Believers are to have as peaceful relations as possible with their unbelieving neighbors and associates, as well as harmonious relationships within the church. Certainly they should not be the cause of dissension. Christian fellowship should be characterized by peace and building up one another see 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

In addition to seeking peace, believers must also seek to live a clean and holy life (see also Hebrews 12:10 (NKJV) For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness). “Holiness” means devoted or consecrated to God’s service. In a practical way, our holiness means honoring God in how we treat others—friends, neighbors, spouse, children, even enemies—and in how we run our businesses, finances, etc. Holiness causes the behavior, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians to be different from unbelievers. Our holiness, provided for us by the death and resurrection of Christ, will allow us to see the Lord as he really is, when we go to be with him forever.

The means used by God for our sanctification and holiness.

Chastening:

Revelation 3:18-19 (NKJV) 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Proverbs 3:11-12 (NKJV) 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Pruning:

John 15:1-2 (NKJV) 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Romans 11:16-22 (NKJV) 16 …if the root is holy, so are the branches….21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either….22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

John 6:26-27 (NKJV) 26 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food (meat) which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

We MUST without fail CONTINUE in the word of TRUTH and ENDURE unto the END in order to be SAVED and inherit Eternal Life in the world to COME. So then, in order to understand what Jesus meant by laboring or working for that MEAT which will produce ETERNAL LIFE in us, then we need to know WHAT Jesus meant by the word "MEAT"? Well if we back up a couple of chapters and read John 4:32-38 we will see that one of the meanings of the word "MEAT" means to labor or to work the Will Of Almighty God.