Holiness is a biblical word that has been reframed for us (Christians) by a secular culture. From the biblical perspective holiness has a positive connotation. When a Christian is considered holy, she is known for her righteousness, blamelessness, or even as a person of the faith who obeys God’s commands.
Sadly, the secular world would describe a holy Christian as one who is judgmental and intolerant. There are many other words they might use but these seem to stand out.
In Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s book called “Holiness,” she points out that because the world holds such a negative view of biblical holiness Christians have opted not to talk about it. Many are not challenged to live a holy life because they rarely, if ever, hear teaching or preaching on verses like these:
- …just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4
- …that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27
- …but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Mrs. Wolgemuth points out that these scriptures are not talking about an external “good girl” kind of life but a holiness that stems from a heart changed by the Spirit of God. She is one who wants to be conformed to the image of Christ as God tells us He will do for us (Romans 8:29). One who loves God so much that she obeys His commands (John 14:15).
Is being Holy as God is holy too big a weight for us to bear? It is clear in scripture that the sin nature will be with us until we die. This means that we have to work hard, to strive for, to pray for, and to be held accountable for our own holiness. But the Lord promises the help of His Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
Unfortunately, many Christians are falling for the deception of the world. They say we are judgmental, and not at all loving when we speak the truth to a sinful person about their sin. They say that if we want our homosexual friends to turn from their lifestyle, then we lack compassion and love. If we think that a boy is a boy and refuse to use “preferred pronouns” then we are hurting that person’s feelings. If hurt feelings bring about repentance and faith, is that a bad thing? Is allowing friends or family to continue in un-holiness a loving thing to do?
In Wolgemuth’s book, Holiness, the final chapter starts with the story of Romanians living under communism’s most repressive and corrupt dictators. Evangelical Christians were ridiculed and, in derision, were called “repenters.” She tells of a Pastor who had prayed and prayed for a revival. There was a period when he was removed from his pastoral position and worked for several years at whatever he could to support his family but eventually was able to return to the pulpit.
Though he was an evangelist, after much more prayer he realized that the problems were as great among the believers as they were with the unbelievers. He began to preach that the “Repenters” needed to repent. He preached about habitual sins that were being tolerated within the church. Wolgemuth points out that once he was back in the pulpit he was very specific as to what sins the Christians were committing. When the Church responded, the Lord sent revival to Romania.
Are we in that same spot here and now in our nation? As the Church of Jesus Christ have we become complacent, accepting sin to such a degree that we are tolerant of many things that God calls an abomination? Do we call on our pastors to get specific about our sins? Will we ever be known as “repenters?” If not, will we ever see revival?
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
