GROWING YOUR HOLINESS

Spiritual maturity in Christianity does not mean absolute perfection; Anyone that looks at it that way will only set themselves up for disappointment and condemnation. Unlike Buddhism and Hinduism, the Christian faith doesn’t subscribe to the notion of nirvana._ There is no absolute “perfection” to be achieved anywhere. The Believer’s perfection resides in his or her faith in Christ. We are _“complete in Him,”_ (Col 2:10) right from day one. 

This ‘tension’ (paradox) of being already perfect yet needing to grow is resolved when you understand the distinction between “Righteousness” and “Holiness” – as taught in scripture.

Scripturally, “righteousness” refers to a person’s approval before God. A “righteous man” is one who is in right-standing with God; someone who has done the _right thing,_  – i.e. FAITH in God’s salvation and not on their own works, (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6; Heb 11:7; Jas 2:23; etc.) 

The Believer’s righteousness – Their right-standing before God – This is based on Jesus’ righteousness. On the Cross, God made Jesus, _“Who knew no sin, to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”_ (2Cor 5:21).

Thus, there are no levels of righteousness; neither can you try to become more righteous than you are now. However, you can increase your holiness. Paul says in 2Co 7:1 “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, *perfecting holiness* in the fear of God.” 

The term “holiness” or “holy” in the Bible is from the Hebrew word _”qôdesh”_ which means _apartness, sacredness or separateness._ Thus, God’s Holiness is not His sinlessness (God cannot be tempted with sin, Jas 1:13), but refers to His complete distinction and ‘apartness’ from us and our fallen natures.

So, when the Bible enjoins us to be holy, it is asking us to distinguish ourselves from the world around us: in the way we talk, the way we dress, the way we do business… the way we do EVERYTHING.

An index of spiritual growth is the increase in the Believer’s distinction from the world and its systems. While holiness shouldn't be self-righteous showmanship, it shouldn't be invisible either (Heb 12:14); you  can’t be an 'undercover' Believer.

 

Just because something is “not a sin”, doesn’t mean you are free to do it. As Paul explains, (1Co 6:12, 10:23), all things may be lawful, but not all things are expedient. When you gave your life to Christ, you became God’s property, and as such share His Holiness – i.e. His distinction from the world.

Therefore, (paraphrasing 2Co 8:7), as you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in love, see that you abound in this grace also: _“In imitation of the holy One who has called you – you also must be holy in all your habits of life.”_ (1Pe 1:15 WNT) 

PASTOR GREG ELKAN.