Holiness And Legalism.

[marthaolivia]

I don't want to start about long hair, but.. the buns and long face describing holiness got me. lol.
When I started going to church nearly 6 years ago, I let my hair grow, not because of convictions, but because I thought I had to. I had many health problems and some of the medications caused my hair to start falling out. My hair is baby fine but grows really fast. It was nearly to my waist so at my age, I put it up. When it began to fall out, I had to put all the extras strands around my face and neck in pin curls or I would look like I put my finger into an electrical outlet. People were always telling me that I forgot to take pins out of my hair.
Anyway, I cut my hair shoulder length just a few months ago. It looks and feels so much better.
Some people in church complimented me and said it looked so neat and healthy now. Others told me I was doing all the wrong things and that I wasn't 'going by the bible' I don't feel as if I am not holiness anymore and I feel better about myself. Btw, my pastor has never condemned me for it so I see no reason why the female saints should.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by marthaolivia

I don't want to start about long hair, but.. the buns and long face describing holiness got me. lol.
When I started going to church nearly 6 years ago, I let my hair grow, not because of convictions, but because I thought I had to. I had many health problems and some of the medications caused my hair to start falling out. My hair is baby fine but grows really fast. It was nearly to my waist so at my age, I put it up. When it began to fall out, I had to put all the extras strands around my face and neck in pin curls or I would look like I put my finger into an electrical outlet. People were always telling me that I forgot to take pins out of my hair.
Anyway, I cut my hair shoulder length just a few months ago. It looks and feels so much better.
Some people in church complimented me and said it looked so neat and healthy now. Others told me I was doing all the wrong things and that I wasn't 'going by the bible' I don't feel as if I am not holiness anymore and I feel better about myself. Btw, my pastor has never condemned me for it so I see no reason why the female saints should.

If they gotta put a dime in the meter, well you just can't park for free. ;-)

[Arphaxad]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

In order to have Biblical Christian faith we must have Holiness,and God's church must be a Holy people distinct in lifestyle from the ungodly.

However we don't need legalism as the merit of favor of God can't be earned.

So how can a Christian determine if they are walking in Holiness and not legalism and can one tell the difference between legalism and Holiness?

When I try to force my holiness on someone it's legalism.

ARPH

[Sister Alvear]

good.


A FORMER MISSIONARY IN INDIA ONCE TOLD OF NEEDING ASSISTANCE IN TRANSFERRING A CRITICALLY ILL MAN FROM HIS HOUSE TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. SHE REQUESTED HELP FROM TWO "HOLY MEN" WHO WERE SITTING NOT FAR AWAY AS THEY WERE INTONING THEIR DEVOTIONS TO GOD. SHE SAID SHE WOULD NEVER FORGET THE FIRE OF RESENT..MENT THAT BLAZED UP IN THEIR EYES AS ONE OF THEM RESPONDED TO THE CALL WITH THIS: "WE ARE HOLY MEN, WE ARE DEVOTED TO GOD, AND WE NEVER DO ANYTHING FOR ANYONE!" -- Source Unknown

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by Arphaxad

When I try to force my holiness on someone it's legalism.

ARPH

and herein lies the problem...."we" have no holiness...none zero nada.

When we think it's our holiness is when we have strayed from the word.

Only "His holiness" will be of any benefit to any of us.

[StMark]

It's the whole package.

one takes care of the other.

Many people let go one aspect of holiness go or only emphasize of part of it and become out of balance

[StMark]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

Really Scott? You been on these forums for years. How big is the pot you attempt to stir?

Most folks that have been indoctrinated by us OP's think of holiness as a long dress with long sleeves worn by a woman with long hair worn in bun, usually accompienied by a long face.

let the mocking begin

[Sister Alvear]

We might could say that holiness means being set apart by God to reflect His will in this world...

[marthaolivia]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

We might could say that holiness means being set apart by God to reflect His will in this world...

Again, words of wisdom from you. Holiness is so much more than a 'look'. Happy New Year Sister Alvear

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by marthaolivia

Again, words of wisdom from you. Holiness is so much more than a 'look'. Happy New Year Sister Alvear

and Happy New Year to you, my friend. Thanks for such kind words.