HOLINESS IN THIS PRESENT LIFE
[John:17:21-23 [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: [23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. ]; [Galatians:5:22-23 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ]; [Ephesians:4:17-32 [17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, [18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: [19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. [20] But ye have not so learned Christ; [21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: [22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. [25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. [26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil. [28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ];:5:25-27; [Colossians:3:1-15 [1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. [5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [6] For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: [7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. [8] But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. [9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; [10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. [12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ]; Titus:2:11-14 [11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: [12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: [13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. [14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. .
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
A New Life
In this lesson, we are studying about the life of a Christian. When a person is saved, he lived a new life. His life has been changed and he no longer lives as he had lived before he was saved. He does not live like those who do not know God. He does not do as sinners` do. The Lord told the Children of Israel that they would be to Him a “peculiar treasure... above all people” if they obeyed Him (Exodus 19;5). Jesus wants His people to be a “peculiar people, zealous of good works” [Titus:2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
]).
A Christian is no longer in sin, but is “in Christ,... a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” [2 Corinthians:5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ]). When a person is saved, his sins are forgiven and taken from his life. As he prays and consecrates his life, the Lord will sanctify him. We have studied about sanctification in Lesson 232 and 238. Jesus prayed for His followers, saying: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” [John:17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ]). Jesus prayed that among His followers there would be unity [John:17:21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. ]). Sanctification brings that unity and perfect oneness. Sanctified people are of one accord. The illustration has been given that salvation is like the cutting down of a tree, and sanctification is like pulling out the stump and roots. Still another illustration shows that a person’s sinful nature -– the “old man” -– is nailed to the Cross when one is saved but when he is sanctified the “old man” dies. In writing to the Ephesians, Paul encouraged them to put off the “old man” with the former conversation and put on the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” [Ephesians:4:22-24 [22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ]).
Paul wrote to the Colossians that by putting on the “new man” a follower of Christ has the image of God who created him [Colossians:3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ]). His affection is set on heavenly things rather than on earthly possessions [Colossians:3:2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ]). Spiritual things come first in his life, before the physical things. In his heart rules the peace of God, and there is love (charity) “which is the bond of perfectness” [Colossians:3:14-15 [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ]). One proof of being Jesus’ disciple is having love for other Christians, for the Bible tells us: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” [John:13:35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ]).
Besides having love in the heart, there will also be other Christian graces. The “fruit of the Spirit” includes “joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,” along with love [Galatians:5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ];[Galatians:5:23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ]). One can tell a Christian by the life that he lives. “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Read [Matthew:7:15-20 [15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ].) If a person, whether a child or an adult, does not tell the truth, you know that he is not truly saved, because the Bible teaches, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” [Colossians:3:9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; ]). If one of your playmates says that he is saved, and then he loses his temper when he cannot have his own way, or he uses bad and filthy words, you know that he is no longer saved, for the Word of God states: “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” [Colossians:3:8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ]).
Jesus, Our Example
When the Lord calls people to follow Him, He calls them to “follow his steps.” He calls them to live Christlike (Christian) lives. Christ gives us the example of right living. We read, in the Bible, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” [1 Peter:2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
]).
When Christ lived here on earth, He was tempted in all the ways that we are tempted, yet He was “without sin” [Hebrews:4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ]). His example of Christian living was a life without sin. If we follow in His footsteps, we will live like Jesus wants us to live.
Keeping Power
Because Jesus overcame temptation, He is able to help us when we are tempted to sin [Hebrews:2:18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
]). The Lord has promised to make a “way to escape” from temptation that we will be able to resist sin [1 Corinthians:10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
]). We can follow His example of a life without sin by praying and looking unto the Lord who is able to keep us from falling (Jude 20-24). Peter said that those who are saved “are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” [1 Peter:1:5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
]).
A Christian is kept by the power of God and by His grace, because a person cannot keep himself. At a time when Paul was buffeted by Satan, Paul prayed. The Lord answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee” [2 Corinthians:12:8-9 [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ]). When Satan whispers in your ear to try to get you to sin, or when someone urges you to do wrong, pray and ask God to help you to do the thing which is pleasing in His sight. We are encouraged to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” [Hebrews:4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ]). That means that we can pray to ask God’s help, and He will keep us from sinning when we obey Him and have faith in Him.
Required
Unless we follow Jesus’ example to live godly, we are not Christians. Jesus said, “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” [Luke:14:27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
]). Some people may say that it is impossible to live a godly life. Others may say that it is all right for a few to live without sin -– but that it is not necessary for all Christians to live holy lives. But as we study the Word of God, we find that all who profess to love Christ live a clean, upright, godly life, or they are not Christians. The grace and strength that Christians need to enable them to live such a life is provided and God requires them to live it. We cannot be a disciple, if, we do not follow Jesus. It is not for a Christian to choose whether or not he will live a righteous life. One does choose whether he will be a Christian or a sinner. But the Lord has laid down the rules of Christian living, and He gives us power to abide by them. We must obey those rules if we are to be Christians.
Separated by Sin
If man breaks God’s rules, he suffers. When Adam, the first man, disobeyed the one law that God gave, Adam sinned and was dead spiritually. Adam had a guilty fear and hid himself when he “heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” [Genesis:3:8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
]). His sin had separated him from God. No longer could Adam remain in the Garden of Eden “to dress it and to keep it,” and to walk and talk with the Lord.
Obedience and Blessings
Later on, God gave the Law to the Children of Israel through their leader, Moses. They were told what to do and what not to do. If the Children of Israel wanted to have the protection, help, and promises of God, they had to obey Him. When they obeyed, God was with them and they prospered. When they disobeyed, God departed from them and they suffered for their sin. In the Old Testament we read about the blessings that came to the Children of Israel when they obeyed God, and we read of the suffering and sorrow that came to them when God forsook them because of their disobedience.
In the New Testament Jesus gave us the rules of Christian living by His example, by His teaching, and by the inspired teachings of His disciples. We also have the examples of righteous living in the lives of true Christians today. Those who have proved God’s Word have found that they can and do live by the power of God according to His plan. We can, by the grace of God, live like Christ. We must live that way if we want to be Christians. Only Christians will enter Heaven to see the Lord and to live with Him.
Oneness
Jesus prayed that His followers would be united in a bond of love. Christians are banded together with one another, and joined as one body with God and His Son. Jesus said, “I and my Father are one” [John:10:30I and my Father are one.
]). It is the Lord’s plan and will that His followers -– the Christians -– be one with God and His Son [John:17:21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
]). They must have the same purpose and aim, the same desires and prayer, the same feeling toward sin, and the same love for the right.
This oneness is a witness -- “that the world may believe” and “that the world may know.” If a Christian does not live differently from anyone else, how can the world tell that Jesus is living in him, and that Christ has power to deliver from sin?
A person who does not live right cannot be united as one with God and His Son. “All that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God” [Deuteronomy:25:16For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God. ]). “Neither shall evil dwell with thee” [Psalms:5:4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. ]). If sin and disobedience entered a Christian’s life, he could no longer enjoy that oneness which binds him to God and His Son, Jesus. The Lord has no pleasure in sin, and sin separates one from God [Isaiah:59:2But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. ]). When any person sins, he can claim no relationship with the Lord, because, “he that committeth sin is of the devil” ([1 John:3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. ]).
In this Present Life
Jesus “gave himself” and shed His Blood for His people -– the Church [Ephesians:5:25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
]). Jesus has a “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;... holy and without blemish” [Ephesians:5:27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
]). The Church can be holy only when the members are holy. There is power in the Blood of Jesus to make a person clean and holy, and to keep him clean and holy. Job, a man of God, said, “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger” [Job:17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
]).
The Bible teaches that we must live holy lives here if we expect to be a part of Christ’s Church and if we expect to go to Heaven. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation” also teaches us that, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” [Titus:2:11-12 [11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; ]).
1. What causes a person to live a new and different life when he is saved?
2. What is the “fruit of the Spirit”?
3. Who is our example of Christian living?
4. How can a Christian witness about Jesus to the world?
5. What does the word “Christian” mean?
6. Whose grace is sufficient to help us in time of need?
7. What does it mean to be “one” with God the Father and Jesus, His Son?
8. Finish this quotation: “He that committeth sin is of the...”
9. What kind of people does Jesus have in His Church?
10. When and where do Christians live clean and holy lives?
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