Holiness Week 21 – by Tanner age 18

Holiness means to be separate from the world. God’s true separation is the only way. Some think that separation is primarily outward, they don’t do the things the world does. Some think that the separation is primarily inward, they think differently, but still participate in the things of the world. Both of these have their pros and cons. One lives better but still wants the things of the world and the other knows the sinful deeds are wrong but still does them. Neither of these situations are complete and neither of these situations leave the person in complete freedom. Both of these situations, are products of man’s attempt to be holy before God. When someone is separated by the power of God, the first thing that changes is the lense they look through…how they view life. They no longer think the way the world thinks or see the way the world sees (new conviction)…and this comes through repentance. After this all new revelation of truth, God will give grace so that the person can walk according to this truth that has been revealed to them. God is the only one who can do this in men. As much as someone tries to be holy in their heart and do good deeds, they will never be able to have both. God changes the hearts of men to the point where they live their lives differently out of their love for the truth. When you see the truth of who you are and who you were created to be, you can’t help but love God with everything you are. When you see God’s love for you it drives you to love him “we love him because he first loved us.” (1John 4:19) God did not just come to change us on the inside or just on the outside, but to change us to be pure through and through so that we reflect His image and likeness. “Clean the inside of the cup and the outside shall be made clean.” ( Matthew 23:26 KJV cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.) God did not send His son for some of the price to be paid for freedom but all. He paid it all.

Titus 2:14 (KJV)

¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

¹⁸ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Romans 3:24-25 King James Version (KJV)

²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

²⁵ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;