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“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalms 29:2

“Praise be to God! Glory, glory, O what a wonderful Savior we have in Christ Jesus! What salvation! What beauty of holiness that can change ashes into beauty! We praise Thee, Most High in all Thy beauty and holiness, and thank Thee for salvation found in Thy holy One, Jesus Christ.” Jon Crane

Holiness – What it is and what it’s not.

Holiness comes from the word wholeness. We cannot possibly be made whole and live whole without Christ’s grace enabling His holiness in us as we submit to the crucified life He mandates for all who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6, etc.).

One source notes the following:

“Holiness and wholeness, while related, are distinct concepts. Holiness, in a religious context, refers to being set apart for God and living in accordance with His will, often described as sacred or sanctified. Wholeness, on the other hand, encompasses the complete well-being of a person, including physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual health. While holiness is a God-given quality, wholeness is often seen as a state of being achieved through a restored relationship with God.”

Another writer notes the following concerning holiness and wholeness:

“I remember when it dawned on me that the doctrine of holiness was not some experience for a small group of ‘spiritual elites.’ Holiness is who God is. We can never have a proper, complete or satisfying relationship with God and miss His essence. …

This wholeness appears everywhere in scripture. Take, for example, Moses’ challenge to Israel in Deuteronomy 7. In order to take the Promised Land, Moses reminds them to maintain an intimate relationship with God, the Holy One (7:1-5). Why? Because they are a holy people (v. 6). He has chosen them for a unique relationship no one else has. This calling is based upon His love for them (vv. 7-8). This love, however, is a whole love which means that it is fiercely protective of them. He will not allow any idolatry or tendency to sin (v. 9). He wants to produce a whole people with healthy hearts and lives of pure love. So, they are delivered in order to ‘keep’ His covenant of love and its unchanging standards (vv. 10-11). You can summarize the whole gospel with the terms ‘holy’ and ‘love’ (John 15:9-17).”

“O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.” Psalms 96:9

Holiness is the work of God in the submitted saint.

Holiness and the cross—the crucified life—cannot be separated. They are divinely, eternally intertwined, married together, inseparable. One cannot exist without the other!

One writer defined holiness this way:

“To say you are holy means that you have been set apart by God’s grace for God’s purpose. Your allegiance is no longer to the kingdom of your success and happiness, but to the progress of his kingdom of glory and grace. And where do you do this? You do this wherever you are, whomever you’re with and in whatever you’re doing.”

The Bible says God’s people are a “holy nation” which means a holy people unto the LORD:

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation (people), a peculiar (special) people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Being holy before the LORD is simply being born again and abiding in vital union with Christ. Read John 15:1-6.

So to be born again and presently abiding in Christ is essential to having the assurance of salvation. Read 1 John 3. Pray to the LORD for His understanding and for your heart to be filled with His holy fear (Psalms 86:11; Proverbs 14:27).

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6

As we abide in Christ we do not live in sin. So anyone living in sin is not abiding in Christ.

“Though the blood of his cross” Jesus redeemed us from our sins, forgave them and gave us the way of holiness, the way of His cross—in order to remain free from the defilement of the sins He initially washed away from our lives (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians  1:9; 4:10-12;  Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14; Colossians 1:12-23, etc.).

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

It’s only as the born again disciple walks with Christ, in His light, abiding in Him, that his sins are continually washed away.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

“True Holiness” vs False Holiness

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24

“True holiness” is brought about by GOD, as His disciple humbles himself, consenting to his own death that Christ might reign. The crucified life is the only way to be holy as God is holy.  The flesh is the source of all sin and must be crucified daily or there will be sin. Read Romans 6 daily in prayer.

“But now being made free from sin (through the daily cross), and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22

“Being made free from sin” by way of the cross. The “fruit” of the cross life is “holiness.” Read that verse above again.

The crucified life Jesus calls us to is the original Gospel key to your victory!

“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7

When the disciple is dead and buried, God is raising him upward into His victory over all sin.

There is no other way to a holy life than the cross, the crucified life Jesus mandated, prescribed (Luke 9:23-24). You cannot obtain it. You must receive it as a gift from Godas He raises the crucified and buried saint upward into wholeness, victory, and holiness. Today is your day to fall into God, to let go and let Godto cry out with John the Baptist“He must increase, but I must decrease!” (John 3:30; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12)

The only way to be “freed from sin” is via the crucified life which is a surrender of your will and life over to God every day.

“We are not to be slaves to sin. That leads to bondage and death. Sin is basically about ourselves! The cross is about Jesus and living for Him. We throw ourselves at the mercy of God to be dead and buried! So we can be resurrected by the power of Christ. And then Jesus becomes our Master not sin and self.” Karen Cochran

Declaring aloud verses like Galatians 2:20 instills in us the cross truth – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“Dead and buried”

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Holiness is the work of God in the heart of His children. He is moving on and sanctifying the abiding, cross-lifestyle born again disciple, causing him to walk in “the new man,” putting off “the old man” (Colossians 3:1-14).

If you had the choice to drink from a cup that was dirty on the inside or one that was dirty on the outside, which would you choose? Would the Almighty not do the same? Which type cup are you? Where are you clean? – Are you clean on the inside or outside, or both?

“TRUE HOLINESS” IS A BIBLICAL TERM (EPHESIANS 4:24). WHAT IS “TRUE HOLINESS” AND WHAT IS THE COUNTERFEIT?

As we just read, “true holiness” is a Bible phrase and so there must by deduction be a counterfeit, a false holiness.

WE’D BETTER MAKE SURE WE HAVE HOLINESS—AS DEFINED BY HOLY SCRIPTURE—AND NOT SOME FLESH-GLORIFYING, FABRICATED VERSION OF “HOLINESS” THAT COMES FROM SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS IN OUR OWN WICKED HEARTS ….. THE CROSS—CRUCIFIED LIFE—IS AT THE CENTER OF THE ONLY “TRUE HOLINESS” THAT GLORIFIES GOD …. AND ALL FALSE HOLINESS IS HEADED FOR AND GUARANTEED ETERNAL DAMNATION …..

Romans 6 Outlined

We have been saved by God’s grace and cannot continue in sin and remain in relationship with Christ who is holy (vv. 1-2).

If you live in sin you will be separated from God who is holy. And the only prescription He gave us to live holy, to live separated to Him and from sin—is the crucified life.

Irrefutably, the context of the book of Romans is that God saved us by His grace to be crucified and buried with Christ and raised up by Christ—into His victory over all sin.

The only way we can be raised up by Christ is to first be dead and buried with Him.

God will not raise up anyone who is not first dead and buried with Christ.

The cross precedes the transformation. We simply cannot ignore the essential cross in verse 1 and expect the real transformation in verse 2.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4

HAVE YOU ever struggled with sin? If so, you are not alone. It is through the “communion of the Holy Ghost” in relationship with our LORD, that the sinful nature is put under so that the life of Jesus is manifested in our lives (2 Corinthians 4:10-11; 13:14, etc.). Please beware of the diabolical, cheap substitutes such as various forms of perfection by way of self—the flesh. These are deadly and cause many to fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). Memorize Galatians 3:3.

There is divine hope for us! God is able.

These temptations—the pull of them—is a test to see who it is we are truly going to choose to love—God or self (Romans 6:14; Hosea 10:12; Isaiah 58).

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Romans 6:13

“True holiness” is never merely a work of the flesh but rather the work of God, raising up the crucified saint (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Any surface holiness that doesn’t come out of the cross life, is not according to the original Gospel, but is rather a dead work of the flesh, vainly attempting to bring about a self-manufactured holiness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please do Your ever-deepening work in my heart and life. Bless this vessel to be purified, cleansed of all iniquity and falsity, made authentic by You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Get your copy now: Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at safeguardyoursoul.com/store and amazon. English and Spanish.

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Articles

Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?

“The truth is that while Christ dwells in the believer’s new nature, He has strong competition from the believer’s old nature. The warfare between the old and the new goes on continually in most believers.” AW Tozer

The law of God is “holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:12)

The holy law of God and the depraved nature of fallen mankind could not be further apart – the righteousness of God inherent in His law vs the “old man,” the iniquitous fallen nature of mankind (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Nothing but a caustic reaction, explosion could be the result of the 2 colliding (Romans 7). One or the other must reign.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17

In what tense did the great apostle speak in when addressing this “old man” that wars against the Spirit in us?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

No, the apostle wasn’t admitting to living in sin but rather that that “old man” – the flesh – was present and must be crucified with Christ daily. Is that not exactly what Jesus taught?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his CROSS DAILY, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

I believe Romans 7 applies to both before and after one is saved …. Because if the saved person departs from the daily cross walk, that same “old man” will take center stage. “O wretch man that I AM (present) (Romans 7:18) ….. we are born again children of God, saints of the Most High and yet that potential to evil, that “old man” must be crucified and “put off” by the daily cross so the “new man” can reign with Christ in this life and eternity. What Paul calls the “old man” must be “put off” and so we can conclude that there IS an “old man” to be “put off” otherwise no such instruction would have been given. We are not to deny the “old man” – the sinful bent – but rather to crucify it (Romans 6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

What to “Put Off” and What to “Put On”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation THE OLD MAN, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off THE OLD MAN with his deeds; 10 And have put on THE NEW MAN, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10

“When we embrace the crucified life we are given overflowing rivers of new life! New life is breathed into us. Walking in the flesh only makes our soul sick with sin! And sin kills and destroys! (Romans 6:23). Rotting us from the inside out! But the way of the cross brings life to our flesh! (Proverbs 3:8, 4:22). Our flesh meaning our whole spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We cannot be a whole person until we are completely given over to the Lord! And this can only happen through the cross. When we are dead and buried and raised up in the newness of life Jesus offers us, then the joy of the Lord will fill our hearts!” Karen Cochran

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What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]


“Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

THE LORD is calling for an immediate release of the WHOLE counsel of HIS WORD!

DO you have a 20/20 vision? Read Acts 20:20 and get it!

Just like fake news TV, wolves only give you a small part of the whole story – in order to manipulate you! Half truths kill!

YOU know when you are right with God when you are running TO the cross message and not AWAY from it! “Enemies of the cross” of Christ “mind earthly things” and not the things the LORD commanded (Philippians 3:18-19).

The cross is a dethroning, unseating of self and the enthroning of Christ!

The Crucified Life 

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

“I Desire Fruit that May Abound to Your Account” [podcast]


“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Did you realize that as a born again disciple of Jesus, that you have an “account” in Heaven?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21

Laying up treasure in Heaven and not wasting it on this fleeting life, is the command and the wisdom of God.

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”  1 Chronicles 29:14

To some I would say:

“So let me get this straight…. you attributed your own earnings for your whole life to yourself and so now, how dare someone suggest you allow other saints to help fund God’s work, to lay up treasure in Heaven …..”

“But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24 

Some seem to take offense to anyone receiving help from God’s people… which is 100% selfish and pride filled…. in more than one way:

1. The work is expanded with greater funding;

2. God’s people are laying up treasure in Heaven when they choose to give.

This all seems to indicate that you are far too involved in the “ministry” you are doing. It’s all about you, not Christ.

Think about how Jesus and Paul and John had numerous “fellowhelpers to the truth.” Every member was free and able to function fully in our LORD’s work.

“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” 3 John 8

Apparently some bogusly believe, pretend to be more righteous than Jesus and the apostle Paul by denying love offerings to do the work of God.

These men are actually preventing God’s people from laying up treasure in heaven and acting self-righteous about it.

Apparently you seek to be the hero who serves yourself in many ways instead of Christ and others and therefore you wish all of your labor be attributed to your own account in Heaven. Philippians 4:17 says:  “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

We give the Gospel “without charge”…. and yet that does not in any way negate all that the Bible says about giving and laying up treasure in Heaven: “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:18). This would mean that he doesn’t ask for money and yet that doesn’t mean he didn’t receive such help nor that what he taught in verses 1-14 are negated.

Regrettably, there are men doing ministry who are babes in understanding this Bible 101 doctrine of giving, of stewardship.

Isn’t it time we get out of the way and let those sitting on the bench get on the field, participate, lay up treasure in Heaven?

Do we not understand how Christ told us His kingdom works…. that when we give, it connects our hearts closer to Christ and His work? See Matthew 6:21.

Following our heretical beliefs instead of the Bible on this topic of stewardship would have thus far resulted in the deprivation of so very many beloved needy people here in Mexico. It would have cheated them out of many blessings…. food and the Word, salvation, etc.

Remember, such as was the case with the few loaves and fishes. Jesus takes what we give to Him, to His work, and multiplies it. Do the math. John 6. Five thousand men were fed out of 5 loaves and 2 fishes and yet there was much food (more than they began with) left over, surplus (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20).

“Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” John 6:13

Regrettably, we have novices who are abandoning the truth of God due to others perverting it….(2 Corinthians 2:17).

Are they making excuse for not giving?

The LORD “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

Every good and every perfect gift on this earth is from God and is a mere foretaste of glory divine!

“The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

Does God’s Word not warn us that God’s people are to “behold” both “the goodness and the SEVERITY of God” lest we be “cut off”?

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22

LORD, we thank You now for EVERY good and perfect blessing You alone have provided—beginning with the ultimate, the unspeakable, the unfathomable gift of Your only begotten Son who died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to justify us (Romans 4:25)! We love You LORD Jesus!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

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