“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11
As we just read, divine “holiness” is “glorious.” Holiness is not what most of us think it is. Holiness in the divine economy is something of great “beauty” and utterly refreshing (Psalms 96:9). It seems that holiness is not merely a divine attribute but rather the divine nature of the Almighty.
Are we ready to allow our LORD, who alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” to define what holiness truly is and how He brings it about in our lives? See Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8.
Remember the song that said “Shake off those heavy bands, lift up those holy hands”? Well, perhaps it’s time to shake off some of those religious, un-scriptural notions we’ve heard about holiness. The Biblical truth about holiness is a blessing, not a burden, and is surprising and refreshing! It is a joy learning and living what the LORD defines as “true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). OVERCOMING SIN can only happen by surrender, and not self, self-effort … self is the whole problem and so self must be crucified.
“HOLINESS IS NOT THE WAY TO JESUS. JESUS IS THE WAY TO HOLINESS.” ANONYMOUS
Is it time we simply stop struggling and striving and just surrender to the Savior – announcing to Him that we are NOT able but that HE is?
Although the end product is holiness of the flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1) … holiness is not a work of the flesh but rather a work of God in the yielded saint, the disciple who is truly counting himself dead to sin, crucified with Christ, nevertheless Christ is reigning in him, raising him up out of sin, setting him apart to God! See Zechariah 4:6; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; 3:3, etc..
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
Holiness is the sanctifying work of God in the heart then life of the surrendered, abiding saint. God works from the inside out in contrast with the false religionists who work on the outer, ignoring the inner man of the heart (Matthew 23; Mark 7:20-23; Romans 1:4; Philippians 2:12-13, etc.).
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:25-26
True holiness is the work of God in the yielded, crucified saint!
“I have ever believed that Jesus Christ releases the Grace to lead the Holy Life, and not the other way round. This Grace is very ready for us as we walk in obedience with Him. Our Salvation came through this Grace and is sustained by same. If we teach holiness without God’s Grace, it could mislead some as they try by their power to lead the life, in practice!” Basil Afam Nsofor
Jon Crane writes:
Rom. 1:4; 6:22; John 15:4-5; etc. Abiding in the vine: Jesus will supply the grace needed for growth, fruit, holiness. 
John 15.”
If sin doesn’t matter to you it’s only because God doesn’t matter to you. He sent His only begotten Son to die to take it away (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Romans 6:1-2, etc.). Remember, the LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” and “commandeth ALL men everywhere to repent” and to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (Acts 17:30; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
Holiness and the cross are inseparable essentials of the original Gospel. It’s the crucified life, being raised up by the grace of Christ, that brings forth a life God calls holy (Romans 8:13-14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). | The Daily Cross
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3
HOLINESS is NOT a work of the flesh saints, any more than salvation is of mere men or a work of men (Galatians 3:3).
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“Holiness, according to Jesus, has to be first and foremost UNCONDITIONAL love (Matthew 5:48)—especially love for our enemies. If someone does not have agape love, especially for their enemies, then their brand of holiness is not the real thing. If agape love is not present then all the other holiness virtues are relatively worthless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). The cross and death to self are the exact components of self-sacrificial agape love!” T.
“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalms 37:39
He who saves, sanctifies – as we abide in Him (John 15:1-6; Philippians 2:12-13, etc.). Holiness is a work of the Holy Ghost in the life of the abiding saint (John 15:1-16). Any holiness that is outside of this biblical truth/model is a work of the flesh and God-less (Matthew 23:23-25; Galatians 3:3). CHRIST alone can save and sanctify! Only Jesus is the Savior and Sanctifier! 1 Corinthians 1:30 says “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and SANCTIFICATION, and redemption:” As the appropriation of all things in Christ’s kingdom, it’s by faith saints! See Romans 4:4-5; Hebrews 11:6. Please share this post.
THE proof OF AN ABIDING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST is that it ALWAYS PRODUCES THE FRUIT OF HIS HOLINESS (JOHN 15:1-16).
Holy Scripture reveals that there is a “True holiness” as opposed to a false or feigned holiness (Matthew 23:23-25; Ephesians 4:24). Which one are you walking in?
PERSONAL HOLINESS IS ESSENTIAL AND YET, IT’S NOT A WORK OF THE FLESH BUT RATHER A WORK OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF THE TRULY BORN AGAIN, CURRENTLY ABIDING BELIEVER WHOSE “FIRST LOVE” IS JESUS CHRIST (REVELATION 2:4-5).
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalms 138:8
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
One believer writes:
“If you have repented and believed, Christ’s life is alive within you, and His grace is sufficient to meet and remove every hint of sin’s stain…and you can have victory over sin. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection was God’s supreme brush stroke of grace across the canvas of creation. He is the embodiment of all hope and grace. Praise the Lord Jesus! ‘For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth’ (Romans 10:4). God’s grace is given so we may know what Jesus Christ did for us at Calvary. Experiencing God’s gracious forgiveness motivates us to live a holy and obedient life for His glory. Forgiven and blessed by His matchless grace are those who call Him Savior.”
Of Wholeness, Holiness, one writer notes:
“The word “holiness” is derived from the same root as the word “wholeness.”
And the very God of peace sanctify you WHOLLY; and I pray God your WHOLE spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, WHO WILL ALSO DO IT. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Other translations actually use the word “holy” instead of the KJV word “wholly.” These two words are really the same.
Holiness does not mean a striving for moral conduct. It means an actual change in the inward nature of tripartite man. And the nature change starts with the human spirit then moves into the soul then finally into the glorification of the body. The making whole of the spirit and body are each accomplished in one second of time. After initial spirit salvation, the selfish sin nature of the soul must be saved, changed and transformed into the “divine nature.” We must be “partakes of the divine nature” for this to occur (2 Pet 1:1-4). The divine nature then spontaneously produces conduct: self-sacrificial agape love.
When the nature is changed then moral conduct will follow as a spontaneous byproduct of that change.
The “holiness movement” as a whole thinks “holiness” means striving for moral conduct. Wrong. Moral conduct will follow a change in nature. Holiness is transformation of nature. Moral conduct is the result. Holiness comes through death to self, a presentation of our bodies as a living sacrifice, the cross. Rom 12:1-2. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of (resurrection of) your minds. . . “
“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man through the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature through the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess. 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom. 7:5; 5:20; Gal. 3:20). They are enemies of the cross!” TB
Your Prayer: Holy Father, I am not able but I know You are! Do Your deeper work in my heart and life. Please anoint this vessel here and now to be crucified with Christ. You must increase but I must decrease my LORD Jesus. Into Your holy hands I here and now commend my spirit, I submit my whole being to You. Please have Your way in me. In Jesus’ name.
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Holiness God’s Way | Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray | The Daily Cross
Articles
Are You a Follower of Jesus and Considering Moving to Mexico? [podcast]
Could the LORD be shaking off the dust of His holy feet against America?
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14
HAPPENING NOW:
Just handed a tract to a man named Ruben. He said “Thank you. I’ve been searching and was thinking of visiting the JW (Jehovah Witness) church near me. Thank you.” Then a conversation ensued. He was informed that that JW and Mormons are cults. Ruben was given the law to convict, and saving Gospel, and exhorted to pray in repentance today and receive Jesus for the remission of his sins. He was told by way of testimony and the Word that Jesus is exactly Who he was looking for.
We exchanged numbers and will be meeting again soon. Please pray for this man. He’s in ripe mode if you will….. ready to repent and receive Jesus, Heaven’s Treasure, Salvation! Would you like to pause and lift Ruben in prayer?
*** Saints, as your brother in Christ, let me encourage you to dare pray something like this today if you are inclined: “Dear LORD, I am all Yours. You created me. You came and died for me. I am Yours. Please put me on Your planet, just exactly where You want me, and use me dear LORD! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Saints the JW and Mormon cults are here in Mexico. There are few if any Christian missionaries. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
I don’t believe any American would regret moving to this great country. The peace and tranquility are off the charts. If you need someone to talk to, let me know.
One thing is certain, you will be immediately spoiled by the preciousness of the Mexican people and their acceptance of the message of Christ! You will minister to no one who won’t say “gracias.”
Are you printing out your supply of JESUS tracts to pass out daily? Never leave home without your supply of the Gospel of Jesus to share with others. Download Jesus tract PDF with one click here – English and Spanish
“Love this Jesus Tract! The other day, at the home we minister in (retirement home), Tom asked me to read this to the people as they usually follow along. Half way through it the reality of what Jesus did for me and all of us, on the cross hit me and the tears began to stream down my face. I could no longer read it. This tract is so filled with the truth and how much God loves us, even in spite of how wicked we are, how could anyone not be convicted?” Karen Cochran
“As this sanctification process happens in our hearts we will see more and more of Christ’s light shining in our hearts. Proverbs 4:18: “But the path of the just is the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” As we surrender daily, as we die to ourselves, as we die downward and are buried with Christ, Jesus’ resurrection life (newness of life) will shine brighter and brighter in our hearts! Until that perfect day when we shall be taken up into glory to be with our Savior forever. Then God’s glory will fill our hearts and the heavens! Until now let the Daystar arise in our hearts each day so His light can shine forth into this lost world. We are to be the light shining Christ’s light into this broken and dark world! Jesus alone is the Answer! His resurrection light! Glory hallelujah!” Karen Cochran
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Francisco repented and received Jesus! As our LORD would have it, our paths crossed by divine ordination. Francisco was preached to and gladly received a Jesus tract. Upon showing him the prayer of repentance and faith on the back, he immediately raised his hands to pray. It caught me off guard, in a good way, and so he was instructed to pray in repentance and faith… as he was led, and he did, out loud, acknowledging that he has sinned against God and then calling on our LORD Jesus to forgive, save, wash away his sin.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. … 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
Beloved Francisco was showed and encouraged to download the Reina Valera Spanish Bible onto his devices and wake up to seeking God in His Word and prayer first thing each morning (Matthew 6:33). He was given the idea also of reading the Proverb of the day each morning.
This continues to happen here with these precious people. They are so hungry for Christ and only need someone to show, to lead them to Him. Several times when instructed to go home and pray in repentance and faith, they overtly lift their hands and hearts and begin praying right on the spot – which demonstrates that they’d been waiting eagerly to hear the message of Christ’s Gospel!
“HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
Ensuing his repentance toward God and faith toward our LORD Jesus (Acts 20:21), the discipleship began. We’ve already been communicating and he’s got the Born Again book in Spanish with three more of the ministry books which will be sent to him this week.
The life being lived with any other purpose except to please God and serve others, is a wasted, hell bound life.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16
Remember, flights back and forth from Texas to Mexico are only a 2-3 hour flight.
The Great Commission Jesus Gave Us
Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul
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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.
“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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Articles
Mission Mexico Elvita Dejected then Blessed [video]
“Wow! God is sure blessing this ministry! And given you the heart of a servant. As I listened to these stories and saw all the pictures all I heard was Jesus! This whole Mexico Mission is all about Jesus! Not Todd but Jesus. Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran
Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul | The JESUS tract in English and Spanish
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be 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 | Great Commission
Are You a Follower of Jesus and Considering Moving to Mexico? [podcast]
Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?
Mission Mexico Elvita Dejected then Blessed [video]
What Did Paul mean by “Double Honour”? [podcast]
Sabbath Keeping, Justification, Sports, and Non-Essentials [podcast]
“But I Can’t Understand the King James Bible” [podcast]
What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]
Guilty of Condoning Evil Romans 1:32
“I Desire Fruit that May Abound to Your Account” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 23
Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]
Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]
“The Knowledge of the Holy is Understanding” [podcast]
“Called, and Chosen, and Faithful” [podcast]
JESUS CHRIST TOLD US TO OVERCOME TO THE END [video]
What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]
“But I Can’t Understand the King James Bible” [podcast]
Conspiracy Among the False Prophets [podcast]
What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]
Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?
Evangelism Adventures: Stories, Reports, and Testimonies of God’s Amazing Love [podcast]
Guilty of Condoning Evil Romans 1:32
Walking in Godly Integrity Means Paying Restitution Where Needed [podcast]
10 Steps to Restoring a Brother [podcast]
TIMES OF REFRESHING FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD! [video]
Sabbath Keeping, Justification, Sports, and Non-Essentials [podcast]
The Way We Spend Our Money is a Direct Reflection of the Priorities of Our Heart [podcast]
Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]
“Called, and Chosen, and Faithful” [podcast]
Should God’s People be Allowed to Give? [podcast]
Are You a Follower of Jesus and Considering Moving to Mexico? [podcast]
Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?
Mission Mexico Elvita Dejected then Blessed [video]
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