To experience the fullness of divine nature, you must understand the practical aspects of righteousness. Although righteousness is imputed to every believer who confesses Jesus as their Lord and Savior, it is sustained by living according to the dictates of righteousness. These dictates or demands of righteousness are what I term holiness. Holiness, described as righteousness in motion in this post, is not a static attribute but a dynamic lifestyle guided by the Holy Spirit. Holiness is simply becoming a slave to righteousness.
Holiness: A Dynamic Expression of Righteousness
Holiness is more than a mere concept; it’s the dynamic expression of righteousness in every facet of life. The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 1:15-16 (GW), succinctly captures the essence of holiness: “But because the God who called you is holy, you must be holy in every aspect of your life. Scripture says, ‘Be holy because I am holy.'”
God’s righteousness is expressed in holiness. God is holy in everything He does; His judgment is holy, and His acts are holy, which means they are based on the standard of righteousness.
“Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2Ti 2:19 KJV).
The life of righteousness we are called into is a life that moves away from sin. This is what holiness is all about: departing from iniquity and living right. We are called to be holy in every aspect of our lives, which is the standard of Christ for our lives.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The pursuit of holiness is not a solitary endeavor; it’s a joint venture with the Holy Spirit. He comes alongside believers to guide, empower, and transform. This partnership ensures that holiness isn’t achieved through human effort alone but through divine enablement. Romans 8:14 (NIV) illuminates this partnership: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4), and He is the one who can help us live a life of holiness. This is where many Christians miss the mark. They keep trying to live holy in their own strength without inviting the Holy Spirit to help them. But I want you to know that God wants to help you, and He will do it if you will let Him into your life right now. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the practical steps of righteousness will become a possibility.
Living Out Holiness: Practical Steps
Living a life of holiness involves the progressive practice of biblical codes of conduct. As believers, we’re not left to navigate this journey blindly. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Word of God, guiding us in discerning right from wrong.
The Bible says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…” (Joh 16:13 KJV). The Holy Spirit is our guide as we venture into living a holy life.
Individualized Holiness: The Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Holiness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s individualized. The Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, tailors our journey of holiness to our unique circumstances and challenges. He helps us discern what is wise, acceptable, and godly. This guidance ensures that our pursuit of holiness is aligned with God’s will for our lives. Paul the apostle, in 1 Corinthians 6:12 (BBE) emphasized this: “I am free to do all things; but not all things are wise. I am free to do all things; but I will not let myself come under the power of any.”
When following the Holy Spirit, you might come to some points in your life where some things that were formerly acceptable may become unacceptable anymore. For example, I stopped watching football when I discovered the Holy Spirit didn’t want me to continue with it. It was lawful but not expedient. Some have stopped using jewelry on the same ground while others have made some other form of adjustments in their lives.
Here is a word of caution: when the Holy Spirit is dealing with you this way, don’t try to impose your convictions on others whom God has not convicted of such. Many Christians have missed it in this way, especially pastors, as they often turn their personal convictions into doctrine. This often leads to division in the body of Christ rather than unity.
The Fruits of Holiness: A Godly Life
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1Ti 4:7 KJV). The exercise that leads to godliness is what holiness is. It is the action side of righteousness. The pursuit of holiness manifests in the fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These virtues reflect the character of God and exemplify a godly life. We become godly (God-like) as we live holy. You are not godly because you are a Christian; you are holy because you live a life that resembles that of Christ. This is what God wants us to be – a godly person, a perfect child of God living as Christ upon the earth.
Conclusion
A life of Holiness is a dynamic journey guided by the Holy Spirit and anchored in the Word of God. It’s the practical outworking of righteousness in every aspect of our lives. As we navigate this pathway of righteousness, we’re not alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make wise choices, embody godly virtues, and leave an indelible impact on the world.