Lie # 32 “A Christian’s degree of holiness is based on how well he obeys God.”
No, our holiness is not based on our performance like religions teach but only on our position of being set apart into Christ Jesus who is now our holiness, wisdom, redemption and righteousness by identification with Jesus by faith alone – not by our works – according to 1 Corinthians 1:30. But our new position in Christ is meant to have a positive impact on our outward behavior as new creation saints – as we allow and depend on the Holy Spirit to sanctify and live through our unsanctified outer man – soul and body.
Lie # 33 “Holiness is another name for right living. The more that you do right the holier you are.”
No, the Bible defines holiness as being “set apart,” consecrated for God’s service. Every believer was set apart spiritually at rebirth – as a totally New Creation spiritually – and is therefore holy by being in Christ Jesus. Again, Jesus is now the believer’s “holiness” according to 1 Corinthians 1:30. This has nothing to do with what you do, per se, but with whose you are, who you now are and where you are now, spiritually speaking. It describes your new nature and position – in Christ, in God and seated in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6) – not your behavior. However, there is a link. The more you believe the truth of who you now are in Christ, the more consistently you will let His Spirit live through you, producing the fruit of holiness – right living.
Coming Next Week: Lies # 34 and #35 that often confuse many Christians. REMEMBER: Wrong believing which leads to wrong living. Conversely, right believing leads to right and prosperous living in Christ. Contact me (below) with any comments or questions about the content of this Blog. Lenny
life, that is, Jesus himself.