Thoughts on Holiness by David Bernard - Page 3

Cindy · #21 06-10-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Lemon

Well, to me it still comes down to balance...I know that has been said ad nauseum! Worldliness is real, sin is real - so is righteousness and purity. It does seem that there is a very real stigma attached to Holiness, and it mostly relates to outward standards, as well as entertainment.

The fact is Holiness is also real and biblical, sadly though many have thrown out the baby with the bathwater because of interpretive principle and that is unfortunate to say the least. We all need to follow after God and the leading of both his Word and Spirit, there is one undeniable fact however, we all come short, and since none of us has the badge of perfection by our own works, we ought to be gracious to those who may be in a different place in God then we are - and that should be the case no matter if you are more conservative or liberal concerning the application of expressed outward Holiness.

What I have always found to be mind boggling in my own life is when leadership treats their own convictions and lifestyle vague when asked pointedly about the expectations they have of saints and leaders. Anotherwards, I have asked and expressed my views on Holiness, waited for response and feedback and received none...that is a head scratcher! Sometimes things like outward standards are treated as measuring sticks of a persons walk and place in God, even if not directly expressed by the pastor/leader.

Having said all that, regardless of what I agree on or disagree with, I have a personal responsibility to walk with God; that does not get excused because of someone elses convictions or lack thereof.

Sam · #22 06-10-2011, 05:47 PM

"A lot of our convictions are preferences, and that is all right. But don't impose your preference upon someone and call it holiness."
page 259 of "The Main Thing Is To Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing" by T.F. Tenney, copyright 1993 by Word Aflame Press

NorCal · #23 06-10-2011, 06:09 PM

The point that Rev Bernard makes, is that Holiness is a Path, Holy is the place. When you make Christ the focus of your life, you will change. That what you did before, is not something you want to do now.

For example, Drinking and Attending a Bar is not a sin. However, after you received Christ, why would you want to go back to that kind of life style? You take that time that you spend at the Bar, and start dedicating that to the Lord. Same goes for any sport, technology or entertainment. They are not sins. But you start to make Christ you focal point of living.

That only comes by wanting a true relationship with the Lord.

The problem with a lot of the UC Apostolics/Pentecostals is that they take the convictions that God has place on themselves (apparel, activity, and location) and try to implement them on others. I am all for Holiness, Clean and Righteous Living, and basic Biblical Standards; but God must make the change in your heart.

Remember we can not make ourselves holy by any action, only Christ can make us holy at the time of Judgment. But with an inward change comes an outward display of that change, in speech, dress, and action.

Hoovie · #24 06-10-2011, 06:48 PM

NorCal, thank you for a good commonsense post!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Where did you get your doctrine that you can never be holy? Look again at what the Apostle Peter wrote to the saints.

1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16 1 Peter 1:14-16

This is what the God of the Bible requires. Men say "not so Lord!"

There is not one verse in all of scripture that says the saints are never able to be holy. Our holiness is OF YHWH. Yet he commands us BE YE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal

The point that Rev Bernard makes, is that Holiness is a Path, Holy is the place. When you make Christ the focus of your life, you will change. That what you did before, is not something you want to do now.

For example, Drinking and Attending a Bar is not a sin. However, after you received Christ, why would you want to go back to that kind of life style? You take that time that you spend at the Bar, and start dedicating that to the Lord. Same goes for any sport, technology or entertainment. They are not sins. But you start to make Christ you focal point of living.

That only comes by wanting a true relationship with the Lord.

The problem with a lot of the UC Apostolics/Pentecostals is that they take the convictions that God has place on themselves (apparel, activity, and location) and try to implement them on others. I am all for Holiness, Clean and Righteous Living, and basic Biblical Standards; but God must make the change in your heart.

Remember we can not make ourselves holy by any action, only Christ can make us holy at the time of Judgment. But with an inward change comes an outward display of that change, in speech, dress, and action.