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Holiness… what is it; Who decides?
(John K Johnson)
“ For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” (Lev 11:45) KJV
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
(1Pet 1:16) KJV
Now, that was the easy part… It is decided by YHVH… men do not get to decide whether or not believers should be “holy.” God has determined, as noted above, from scripture in the Old and New Testaments (both in agreement), that we “believers” ARE TO BE HOLY.
Now the question is, what IS holy? God (YHVH– the God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of Israel; the God Most High of all the Universe; the Creator of ALL things)… He is the “example” of what “Holy” is to look like, resemble, reflect and consists of… so, should it not be the “quest” of every believer to search and find what they should incorporate into their thinking, lifestyle, actions, discussion, religious practices and etc, etc… if in fact they want to follow the commandment to be holy?
Now, here is “why” this should be the believers diligent “quest;” and “why” it should be a most serious search and most thorough search…
Please DO NOT gloss over this next scripture:
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Heb 12:14) KJV [emphasis added for focus]
I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Hebrews 12; it makes this admonition much more serious (if possible). If you think you are in line to see “the Lord,” YHVH (Yeshua), then you must think you are a holy person, no? Trust me (if I can use that comment), this is a MUST qualification… it is NOT an option. The Holy Spirit may, at this very moment, be tapping you on your heart’s shoulder and “raising His eyebrow” at your lifestyle. Hopefully, He is (for all of us). That is the job He has been sent to do.
For a moment, please allow me to compare two common words: “believer” and “observer.” Which one are YOU?
If you do a diligent and thorough Bible search, with a contextual study, of how the word “believer” is used you will no doubt find out that the only way a “believer” is identified in the Bible is by “doing,” or “practicing,” or “obeying,” or “following” the commandments and statutes and teachings of YHVH (Yeshua/Jesus). In fact, “faith,” is connected at the hip with “believe” because faith is the method by which all believers come to “holiness.” Our faith must be in Yeshua.
Today, tragically, the watered down version of “faith,” and “believe,” has come to mean “know– or know about,” and “conceptually observe.” We have lost the fire and power of conviction from most pulpits (to conform to and be obedient to YHVH’s Word) and we have turned the major body of the church into “fellowship,” and “programs.” While folks participate in these with fairly faithful attendance (in churches where they are reasonably involved), far too many of their “lifestyles” are laden with sin and unacceptable personal involvements and institutionally ordained religious practices. This last item is not a new problem (it is the tragic product of early church separation from Torah practice that the late first century “religious” people began and it was “capped” by the Roman Church in Constantine’s time). [Torah is the first five books of the OT of the Bible]
Let us consider the “observer,” who unlike the “believer,” is physically (and often joyfully) associated with a body of church parishioners. Here, I can speak from decades of personal experience; being deeply committed and “inside” the circle of church activity… I think, at least from my retrospective point of view, that 30– 40 years ago, the “observer,” was more of a “quasi believer.” It has been in the last 15-20 years that the “fog” of separation between “believer and observer,” has become more problematic.
It seems to me that we are witnessing the “great falling away,” that Paul warns the church in Thessalonica about… Otherwise, how could so many who call themselves “believers,” be living in such open and shameless sin… we will list the sins so as to complete the point in a few lines later on in this text: first the scripture concerning the “great falling away.”
2 Thess 2:1-12
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. KJV
I have added bold emphasis to the text above that clearly tells us that “not having love of the truth (God’s Word and faithfulness to it) is a serious breach to “holiness.” And affrightedly so, God is the one who sends these people the strong delusion. And, the believers are going to be here when the “man of sin,” (antichrist) is to be revealed… the “mystery of iniquity,” above could be better stated as “the mystery of lawlessness,” which some translations actually say… this “lawlessness,” is what the Bible clearly teaches us as being “Torahlessness.” (it means against law, namely without or outside God’s Law/Torah… the Greek word here is “anomia.”
Let us take a serious look at this from its base text:
NT:458
anomia (an-om-ee'-ah); from NT:459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness:
KJV - iniquity, transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
NT:459
anomos (an'-om-os); from NT:1 (as a negative particle) and NT:3551; lawless, i.e. (negatively) not subject to (the Jewish) law; (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked:
KJV - without law, lawless, transgressor, unlawful, wicked.
NT:3551
nomos (nom'-os); from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):
KJV - law.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Now the New Testament clearly tells believers that “sin” is “transgression” of the Torah (Law):
1 John 3:3-8
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He 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. KJV
John tells us in verse 2 (shown here below for emphasis) that those who are true “believers,” are “sons of God… who will be like him (Yeshua); for we shall “see” him as he is.”
1 John 3:2
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. KJV
The important “link” to wrap our thinking around (to link this with previous context of this article) is that the true “believers,” or “sons of God,” will “see” him/Yeshua (YHVH)… conclusion, the fact that they see him confirms their “holiness.” (Heb 12:14 says “without “holiness,” no man will “see” God). Those who carelessly disdain the Torah (Commandments/Law/Statutes) of God will not see him.
Now, the Torah is full of “principles” and “ distinct” examples of how YHVH insists on our accepting HIS point of view… this is what I have come to understand (from seven years ago) since committing myself to extensive research and study of the Torah and the “foundation” principles found in its “forever settled” condition. (by the way, in Deut 4:2 and Deut 12: 32, YHVH warns us that the Torah is a “closed system.” We are not to add or take from its content/context/principles/concepts, etc.) It must have been in God’s time for me to wait 34 years to focus my method of study from more random to “Torah first” in order to properly interpret the rest of the Bible… especially the New Testament. Anyway, let us look at an example of “how” YHVH orders the “distinction” of certain things… this example will focus on “guarding YHVH’s Holiness.”
As a “side note,” if we understand that the “Third Commandment,” admonishes us to “not take YHVH’s NAME in vain” (not to profane or make it common), then what about His WORD (Torah)…? He says in Ps 138:2, “...thou has magnified thy word above all thy name.”
Are you getting the point yet… YHVH is specific and uncompromising about His Word and our relationship to Him as believers who are to “Keep His Commandments… if we Love HIM.” (John 14:15-25).
Now look at the Torah “holiness” lesson in Numbers Chapters 3 and 4. Basically, YHVH has separated the Levites and certain members of their families for very “specific” and “distinct” duties… He places Aaron (the High Priest, Moses brother) and his sons in “management” and forbids the “lesser ranking” Levites to even “look upon” the instruments and hardware, etc, of the “holy of holies.” Should they touch (Num 4:15) or look upon them (Num 4:20) they would die… In other words, Aaron and his sons are to “make ready,” and supervise the specific instructions for covering and packaging the “holy things.” If one of the “lesser priest” should enter the “presence” of the “holy things,” that were not yet ready for their handling that person would die. This is not a simple matter; it is a “distinct and specific,” DO IT MY WAY lesson in understanding holiness. Did you get that? You may be thinking, well, that is not very fair; or why should someone else die for what some other person failed to do?
Please notice that YHVH placed the responsibility for the safety of the lives of the “lesser” priest/Levites on the “management” or the house of Aaron (namely his sons). To YHVH, whether we understand it or not (which is NOT the issue; obedience IS), there is a certain way and distinct order, for what He views, as THE way to deal with “holy” things. Leave your opinions and theological doctrines out of this, they will not stand up at the Bema Judgment seat of the King of the Universe… only His “forever settled” Word will judge the deeds and works of men… John 12:48. If you disdain His Word… you will lose… you will decrease what ever degree of “holiness” you have or had; and you need to “purify” your heart and mind and return to obedience and faithfulness to Yeshua to become more holy. Unlike “righteousness,” which Yeshua alone “cloaks” you with on your day of salvation (being truly repentant and born again and baptized into Yeshua), “holiness,” is something you grow “up” or “down” in degree to. Righteousness is (or is not)… Only Yeshua, by power of His atoning blood, can make us righteous. Only we ourselves, by our agreement or disagreement with YHVH’s Word (actions; not just “knowing or observance”) can affect the degree of holiness we attain or fall out of favor from. This is why Paul admonished the Philippians to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12).
Now let us bring this up to date: who, nowadays, is the one responsible for the “lesser, kingdom of priest?” Is it not Yeshua, our High Priest? Is it not He, who “guards” the “holy place?” True believers are said to be the “temples” of God/YHVH (not made of stone, but of fleshly hearts) wherein He chooses to dwell. We, the scriptures say, are to be part of a “royal priesthood, a holy nation… the people of God…” (1Pet 2:9-10) Holiness, is required for that duty and distinction. It is a “joint venture,” between you (me) and Yeshua. As we feed on the “manna” from Heaven, the “bread” of life (YHVH’s Word), it is divinely inculcated into our spirit and inner man (heart and mind), by empowering work of the Holy Spirit, washing our mind and renewing us in the spirit of our minds. When we are “in agreement” with the Word… Principles and concepts of the Torah and the “likeness” of the lifestyle of Yeshua, it yields “holiness,” (walking as his disciples walked and lived… still in vogue and a proper protocol for modern man)… the Torah was NOT nailed to the Cross (our “debt list” of our sins was). The “Bride of Yeshua,” make no mistake about this, WILL by “her identity,” look like the description of “holiness” in YHVH’s Word… (otherwise, she would be tattered with “spots and wrinkles”). This is a reference to Yeshua’s relationship to the “church” or better wording; “body of believers.” It comes from Eph 5: 26-27. It is a “word picture,” which if you look carefully, Paul paints the example of a holy relationship… it is the only relationship that YHVH will accept. Will you let Yeshua protect you?
Now, earlier I said we would look at the sins that complete the point about shameless and sinful living by too many who consider themselves to be “Christians.” The following scriptures speak for themselves… always better than I can try to explain it:
These are “New Testament” scriptures, which all have their authority for “doctrine,” founded upon the “Torah.” Torah is the ONLY descriptive document set that provides us with “interpretative” truth… it is Yeshua’s foundation for every word that He spoke. The principles and concepts of the Torah lead us to “holiness.”
Matt 15:18-20
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: KJV
Mark 7:21-23
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
KJV
Matt 18:35 “… if you from our hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (unforgiveness)
Gal 5:19-21
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. KJV
Rev 21:6-8
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
KJV
It is clear from this list of offenses (against the eternal written Word of God… clearly given in the Torah as part of the principles of “how to” that every person will be judged by, and confirmed in New Testament teachings) that no one can say they did not know what the distinction was between “holy and unholy.”
This is a most serious matter. It is not uncommon in our modern churches to see persons “shacked up,” or in affairs as if marriage and an “undefiled bed,” was for the “old church days.” The same is true for many in church “leadership,” and “support ministries.” Namely, those on praise and worship teams and in “Christian” bands and etc.
It is further saddening that many view the Bible and its teachings as “antiquated.” According to a Barna survey in late 1990’s, less than one percent of “confessing evangelicals” read their Bibles weekly. How would they know what is and is not holy?
What about the “Christians” who think telling “white lies,” are not important spiritual issues? What about the drinking and drug use that is so common in peoples lives today? What about the “hanging out” at the bars and movie houses that simply pour out vulgar displays in nearly every direction you look. What about the epidemic condition of pornographic abuse that so many (including pastors and other church leaders) are addicted to? What affect do these things have on “holiness?” What about “tolerance,” allowing sin in the church?
I know about these things because I have spent much of my life in ministry and know about the “inside” issues that plague the modern church… I also know that the trend is to “entertain” the folks so they want to “come back.” Or, that the thinking is that we need something to “draw” the folks in the community to come and see how we “do church?” What about the madness of “Christian” tattoos and music indulgence with volume and beat so close to the local disco that one has to really listen close to distinguish which is which?
And if these matters were not serious enough; what about the “emerging church,’ with its appetite so focused on the “new age” concepts that are simply the “old age” cult and pagan practices from the “eastern” cultures that are nothing less than demonic and satanic products that are packaged in Gnostic and Humanistic clone packages?
It is time to check our spiritual compass and go back to the bedrock of the faith… God’s Holy Word. For some it is too late. For many it will simply be too much to ask. I am not a popular speaker or writer in most of the “Christian” body at large. Matthew Chapter 10 will explain the reasons… people do not like to their sin defined or exposed.
I do choose to sound the alarm and call those who will listen to me about this “holiness” issue. There is no middle ground or alternative. When I decided to follow the basic “likeness” of the believers of Yeshua’s day, I lost the close association with many who think I am becoming a Jew or getting into “legalism.” Not so, I have never been closer to Yeshua and had a more clear vision of the path ahead than I now have… I will continue to pray for those that are complacent and lethargic… and those too busy to seek the truth. I have faith that God will yet get the attention of many of them… including some of my own loved ones that are caught up in the “fog.” What will YOU do with the truth? |
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