The word standard has been defined as an approved model or mode. God would never set a standard that would be impossible for us to achieve or attain. If God called us to be holy, then with His help we can be holy. If sin is missing the mark, then holiness is hitting the bulls-eye. Holiness is more than ridding ourselves of sin and negative choices. If the only thing we do is stop sinning we have done nothing. Holiness is not a state of “doing.” Holiness is a state of “being” that refuses to be satisfied with anything less.
Someone said, “Holiness is the fact of God’s being that refuses to allow Him to ever be reduced from who He is.” In other words, satan could never create a temptation or crisis that would cause God to misbehave or act out of character. It is impossible for God to act irrationally, indiscreetly, or momentarily be distracted from His righteous mission or purpose. Holiness is all that God is, has, and does.
I Peter 1:15, 16
“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Holiness is not based on what you do, but rather on who you are. The Scripture does not say to act holy. It says to “be” holy. It is a team effort. Our holiness is dependent on Christ’s righteousness in us. “…When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19
- Raise the standard. Holiness is not an option. It is a command that requires a lifestyle of purity. “God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” I Thessalonians 4:7
- “Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 “And a highway shall be there,…and it shall be called, The Way of Holiness, the unclean shall not pass over it.” Isaiah 35:8 Holiness is the super highway to Heaven. The entrance ramp onto this highway is called, “Repentance.”
“…be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:4