I am convinced, more nowadays than ever, that a big majority of the Church, does not know what the word holiness means, Is it a doctrine, a lifestyle, or is it an impossible goal that many try, without success, to reach? Can one live holy in this unholy world. Since there are many phrases that begin with “holiness is not”, I’d like to address 2 of them first, before describing what holiness is. You see, the subject of holiness has been made ambiguous, vague, and completely unclear in our time because of a just a few statements. I boldly address these statements, not to argue, but to clarify, and make a stand for this very biblical word.
To some, the word holiness means one thing, while others look at the word from a totally different perspective. It is highly probable, and most likely true, that most in the church have heard one, or more, of these “holiness is not” statements. Many who have have heard them, base their entire belief system about holiness on that statement. If that is you, then we can’t discuss holiness. It is impossible to discuss the word with one that has heard a “holiness is not” statement, and that’s the end, as far as they are concerned. We find it hard to reach those who are set in their ways, especially where this word is concerned. Unless we are willing to learn, the subject is closed. If we are hungry for holiness, then to learn is our quest.
Now, here’s the first “holiness is not” statement that we want to discuss. This statement has done more to distort the truth about holiness than any other statement I’ve heard in my lifetime. Indeed, it is catchy, pleasant, and soothing to the hearers.
The sad thing about this statement is that it contains a partial truth, but not the total truth. It has some truth in it, but not enough to grant us the kind of freedom that Jesus taught in John 8:32. It is a good “holiness is not” statement, but it needs to be clarified, explained, and lined up with Scripture before we sink our teeth into it, and establish it as a solid, total fact. The Bible teaches us to rightly divide the Word, which means run references, scrutinize, and examine in the light of the totality of the Word, not just one phrase. So here is my first “holiness is not” statement. It is: HOLINESS IS NOT RULES, IT IS RELATIONSHIP. Right away, we must look at the word NOT. This word narrows holiness down to discard all rules about it, and all commandments in God’s Word where holiness is concerned. The real truth is if our relationship with a holy God is right, constant, and biblical, we will not mind scriptural rules that show us what pleases God and what does not. After all, that is the best description of rules that I can find. Rules are simply statements of what is allowed and what is not. Rules set parameters. Rules keep us in line, and a sensitive conscience lets us know when we have crossed a line that displeases God. These lines are set by THE WORD OF GOD. To say that there are no rules where holiness is concerned is to water the biblical meaning of the word down, reducing it to an anything goes, humanistic type of lifestyle. My relationship with God is way off course if I ignore His rules. I understand that there are many MANMADE rules about holiness that are unbiblical. I totally agree that there are many made up rules by different cults, organizations, and religious orders, that try to force their ideas and assessments of Scripture on to us, and many of them are far from biblical truth. But another key word in my first “holiness is not” statement is RELATIONSHIP. As a matter of fact, holy living is based on how close we are to God, how close we are striving to be to God, and how much of a desire we have to walk in a yoked up position with Him. If the relationship is proper, right and biblical, a hunger for holiness will develop. We will cry out for His holiness, and it will mean more to us than any other entity of the Christian experience. You see, without holiness one cannot see God. Elizabeth Elliott said: HOLINESS HAS NEVER BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE OF THE MAJORITY. IT IS, HOWEVER, MANDATORY FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD. If if is so urgently needed to enter the Kingdom, I suggest we study it until it becomes clear in our spirit.
Let’s go on to a second catchy, pleasant “holiness is not” phrase that recently began to appear more and more on social media. I don’t want to hurt those who have put it on FB, but I do want to explain it. It is this: HOLINESS IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT AN OUTFIT. My first question is “since when is my outfit (dress code) not included in holiness? If I profess to be a believer in holiness, do I not want to line my clothes up with the bible’s view of the picture I present to those outside, and inside the church? Is modesty not a part of holiness? Yes, it is, and if a person wants to please a holy God, they should strive to be the poster child for modesty. In a nation where a woman is raped every 3 to 5 minutes, it would be wise to avoid causing any excessive attention by nudity. The Bible does tell women to dress in modest apparel (I Timothy 2:9). The remainder of the verse implies propriety, moderation, and temperance, which is a fruit of the Spirit. Yes, holiness is relationship, and no, it is not an outfit, but my relationship should be such that I obey God’s rules. If I want to please Him, I will dress according to His instruction, which is modest. I am not referring to any type of clothing, such as a dress or skirt,. I am saying that anything we wear in public view should be modest, if we are to please God. We live in an age where modesty has been disregarded, even in pulpits. If you enter the stage to lead worship, you should do everything within your power to keep the audience focus off you. When your body is on display, you are drawing attention to yourself, and not to Jesus.
No one knows it all, but we all know in part. What we do know will be required of us when we give an account before God.