If You Renounce Holiness You Will Die Spiritually!
It’s hard for some Christians to really
grasp the difference between the world and the body of Christ. We read about
it. We study it. We even try to apply
it. In all actuality, we often fall short of being effective as Christians. We
like to blur the line of separation by saying some
things are okay and others are not. Last time I checked, if you put dirt
in a glass of water, the water is no longer pure. So, instead of keeping up the good fight, many
just say, “I’m not a saint and I don’t want to be holy. Let me go wallow with
the pigs. At least that’s fun.”
That
Attitude Stinks
With that kind of attitude, people make
a concession for sin and abandon the truth.
Why not? You have already decided you’re not holy. Christians are set apart.
That’s what sanctified means (1 Cor. 6:11). The moment we were immersed into
Christ we were reserved for God. We have a work (Eph. 2:10). We have a people
(Rom. 12:4-5). We even have a culture (2 Thess. 2:15). None of which are of the
world. So, why don’t we live that way?
It Ain’t
Cool, Man!
Many
times, especially this day in age, we need to say no. We must say no to
friends, family, culture, school, and maybe even the government if it goes
against the Word. It may not be cool to
skip prom, but if it is about being lewd and prepping for the aftermath of sin, then why go? Movies like Fifty Shades of Grey and Magic Mike XXL were a cultural
sensation. Is it worth your soul to watch material that promotes erotic sin? Often,
the culturally cool thing is not about pleasing God. Most of the time, the
popular thing is for engaging in sin, enjoying sin, bragging about sin and even
watching others sin (Rom. 1:18-32). All
of which we are told not to do. It’s hard and takes a lot of commitment, but
God never said it would be easy. He did say He would be with us (Matt. 28:20)
and that we would have rest (Matt. 11:28; Heb. 4:1). He also gives us the
reward of heaven for an obedient life (Col. 3:23-24).
Collaborate
When we no longer set ourselves
apart from the world, then we become just like them. What fellowship does
righteousness have with lawlessness (2 Cor. 6:14)? Listen, those in the world
are not us. They are weak and ungodly
(Romans. 5:6). They are far away from
the light and in darkness (Eph. 2:13 & 5:8). They are slaves to sin, lost,
and reaping corruption (Gal. 6:8; John 8:34; Luke 19:10). The world is alienated and hostile in mind
toward God (Col. 1:21) and they will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor.
6:9-10). If we identify with them, then we are the same as they are. We were
once worldly like that (1 Cor. 6:11). We have been freed (Rom. 6:7). Why go
back?
We’re Not
That Way
As Christians, we have been saved
from death by the blood that was shed for us (Rev. 1:5). Why would we want to
be a part of that again? Why should we let the world tell us how to worship and
live? We are faithful saints (Col 1:2).
We are heirs who are clothed in Christ (Gal. 3:27 & 29). We are a vessel for honorable use (2 Tim. 2:21).
We are chosen, holy and beloved (Col. 3:12). We have been sanctified once and
for all (Heb. 10:10).
To Close it
Out
When we renounce the blessing Christ gave
us at baptism, we will stop growing. Every time we sin, we do just that. Most
of us quickly and urgently repent and confess those sins (1 John 1:9). Some
choose not to. When that happens, we not only stop growing in Christ, we begin
to become what we once repented of and were freed from. We then become slaves to
sin once more. And for what? A friend? Momentary pleasure? To avoid
persecution? We will fail to grow if we identify with the world and incorporate
its ways into our lives. Instead of saying “I would rather wallow with pigs”
stand up for righteousness and walk in Christ (1 John 2:6).
When was a
time you renounced holiness?
When have
you jumped on the world’s bandwagon for the sake of a show, event, etc.?
What do you need to change?
When do you
need to change?
How can you
change?
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