In the grand tapestry of Christianity, holiness stands as a defining thread, intricately woven into the fabric of our faith. It is a concept that resonates through the sacred scriptures, beckoning believers to a higher calling. As we await the return of Jesus, we, the Church, the bride of Christ, are called to be holy without spot, blemish, or wrinkle. In this exploration of holiness, we delve into its definition, the signs and symptoms of holiness, and the practical keys to cultivating a holy life.

Deciphering Holiness – A Choice and a Calling

Holiness, in its essence, is the consecration of the heart and will to God. Jesus’s imminent return fuels the urgency for believers to embody holiness as the Church—the Bride of Christ. It’s a calling to be set apart, consecrated, and distinctly holy. As Revelation unveils the impending judgment on the harlot of Babylon, the importance of holiness becomes even more apparent.

Bride of Christ: Symbolism and Meaning:

The metaphor of the “Bride of Christ” in the Bible is a profound and symbolic representation of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church.  As believers in Christ, we are considered the ‘bride’ or the ‘body’ of Christ or otherwise referred to as the ‘Church’. It is primarily found in the New Testament, emphasizing the intimate and covenantal bond between Christ and His followers.

• Intimacy and Covenant: The imagery of the bride symbolizes the deep, intimate relationship between Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (His bride). It reflects the covenantal commitment and love that Jesus has for His followers.
• Purity and Holiness: The concept of a spotless or blameless bride highlights the purity and holiness that Jesus desires for His Church. It conveys the idea that believers, as the bride, are called to live holy lives, free from the stains of sin.
• Preparation for the Wedding Feast: The Bible speaks of a future wedding feast, representing the ultimate union between Christ and His Church. Preparing the bride involves sanctification, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of holiness in anticipation of this glorious event.

Why Jesus is Coming Back for a Spotless Bride:

• Scriptural Foundation: Ephesians 5:25-27 emphasizes that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, intending to present her to Himself as a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish.
• Symbol of Perfection: The spotless bride represents the perfection and purity that Christ desires for His redeemed people. It reflects the transformative work of sanctification through the Holy Spirit.

Although this may seem overwhelming to think ‘ how on earth can you be spotless without blemish’??? It’s almost impossible to perfect, but it’s the process in which we make choices that lead us to Christ instead of sin. And when we do make mistakes we are:

1) Quick to course correct our lives

2) Take responsibility for our actions

3) Be quick to repent

4) Be quick to forgive

The Heart of Holiness – Humility, Repentance, and Sanctification

Humility: At the core of holiness lies a humble heart free from unforgiveness, bitterness, and offense. A pure heart, void of judgment and pride, allows believers to view challenges through the lens of Christ.

Repentance and Sanctification: Holiness is not a mere decision; it’s a transformative journey. Repentance and sanctification pave the way for a purified heart. To become holy, one must turn away from sin, confess, and embark on the lifelong process of discipleship, forgiveness, and immersion in God’s Word.

Holiness vs. Selfishness

Holiness and Power: Holiness precedes power. Too often, Christians succumb to fear, choosing comfort over holiness. Discipline and a battle against sin are crucial to becoming vessels of honor, unblocked by sin, ready to demonstrate God’s power and glory.

Selfishness: Holiness and selfishness are incompatible. Signs of selfishness include seeking to gratify the desires of the flesh, contrasting with the Christian principle of benevolence. Holiness is a state of mind marked by reason, influenced by the truth and promises of God.

Identifying Signs

Signs of Being Holy:

• 1) Humility: A truly holy person is characterized by genuine humility, acknowledging their dependence on God, and recognizing the value of others.
• 2) Love and Forgiveness: Holiness manifests in a heart overflowing with love and a willingness to forgive, reflecting the nature of God’s unconditional love.
• 3) Discernment: Holiness brings clarity of discernment, allowing individuals to see situations through the lens of Christ, free from judgment and criticism.
• 4) Repentance: A holy person acknowledges and repents of their sins, actively turning away from behaviors that separate them from God.
• 5) Benevolence: Holiness leads to a life marked by selflessness, where individuals seek the well-being of others and engage in acts of kindness and generosity.
• 6) Word-Centered Living: Holiness involves a commitment to studying and living by God’s Word, seeking to conform one’s life to the principles outlined in Scripture.
• 7) Patience: The journey to holiness is recognized as a lifelong process, requiring patience and perseverance as individuals grow in their faith and character.
• 8) Fear of the Lord: A holy person maintains a healthy reverence and awe for God, understanding His holiness and sovereignty.
• 9) Power in God: Holiness precedes power, enabling believers to experience the transformative and miraculous work of God in and through their lives.
• 10) Freedom and Joy: True holiness results in genuine freedom and joy, transcending the confines of mere religious rituals and rituals.

Signs of Being Unholy:

• 1) Pride: Unholiness often manifests in pride, where individuals become self-centered, seeking to exalt themselves rather than God.
• 2) Judgment and Criticism: Lack of holiness leads to a critical spirit, where individuals are quick to judge others without the humility to understand their flaws.
• 3) Unforgiveness: Unholy hearts struggle with forgiveness, holding onto grudges and harboring bitterness instead of extending grace.
• 4) Selfishness: Unholy living is marked by selfish desires, seeking personal gratification and comfort without regard for others.
• 5) Lack of Discernment: Unholy individuals may lack discernment, be easily swayed by worldly influences, and be unable to see situations through a biblical perspective.
• 6) Persistent Sin: Unholiness is evident in a continued pattern of unrepentant sin, with individuals unwilling to turn away from behaviors contrary to God’s Word.
• 7) Disregard for God’s Word: Those living in unholiness may neglect the study and application of God’s Word, leading to a lack of alignment with biblical principles.
• 8) Impatience: Impatience and a desire for quick fixes can be signs of unholy living, as the journey to holiness is often a gradual and patient process.
• 9) Fear and Anxiety: Unholy individuals may be characterized by fear and anxiety, lacking the confidence that comes from a deep relationship with a holy and sovereign God.
• 10) Lack of Freedom and Joy: Unholiness can result in a lack of true freedom and joy, as individuals may find themselves entangled in the consequences of sin and a disconnected relationship with God.

Practical Steps to Holiness

Recognizing unholy behavior habits and course-correcting towards holiness is a crucial aspect of Christian living. Here are practical steps to help you identify and address unholy behaviors:

1. Regular Self-Reflection:

• Take time regularly to reflect on your thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
• Ask yourself whether your behaviors align with biblical principles and reflect the character of Christ.

2. Honest Examination of Motives:

• Analyze the motives behind your actions. Are they driven by self-interest, pride, or a desire for approval?
• Consider if your decisions align with God’s will or if they serve personal desires.

3. Seek Accountability:

• Share your struggles and areas of weakness with a trusted friend, mentor, or fellow believer.
• Allow them to hold you accountable and provide guidance in your journey towards holiness.

4. Regular Prayer and Confession:

• Develop a consistent prayer life, seeking God’s guidance and strength.
• Confess your sins regularly, acknowledging areas where you fall short and asking for God’s forgiveness.

5. Engage in Bible Study:

• Immerse yourself in regular and intentional study of the Scriptures.
• Identify biblical principles that directly address areas of struggle and seek to apply them in your life.

6. Identify Unholy Patterns:

• Recognize recurring patterns of behavior that are contrary to God’s Word.
• Be honest about specific sins or habits that may be hindering your spiritual growth.

7. Surround Yourself with a Positive Environment:

• Choose friends and companions who encourage and support your pursuit of holiness.
• Avoid environments or influences that may lead you into unholy behaviors.

8. Develop a Plan of Action:

• Create a practical plan outlining specific steps to overcome unholy habits.
• Set realistic goals and milestones, breaking down larger objectives into manageable steps.

9. Embrace Repentance and Change:

• Cultivate a heart of repentance, acknowledging your need for God’s grace.
• Be willing to change, surrender your will to God, and actively pursue a life aligned with His standards.

10. Embrace Discipleship:

• Seek guidance from experienced believers or mentors who can provide wisdom and accountability.
• Be open to receiving constructive feedback and guidance for personal growth.

11. Practice Gratitude:

• Cultivate a spirit of gratitude, focusing on God’s blessings and faithfulness.
• A grateful heart can shift your perspective and contribute to a more positive and holy mindset.

12. Cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit:

• Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruits of the Spirit. Strive to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life.

Remember that the journey toward holiness is a process, and God’s grace is abundant. Stay committed, be patient with yourself, and rely on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to guide you toward a more holy and Christ-like life.

Remembering HOLINESS

Certainly, creating an acronym can be a helpful mnemonic device to remember practical tips for pursuing holiness. Let’s use the acronym “HOLINESS”:

H – Honest Self-Reflection:

• Regularly reflect on your thoughts, actions, and motives.

O – Openness to Accountability:

• Seek accountability from trusted friends or mentors.

L – Living in God’s Word:

• Engage in regular Bible study to align your life with biblical principles.

I – Identify Unholy Patterns:

• Recognize recurring patterns of behavior contrary to God’s Word.

N – Navigate Positive Environments:

• Surround yourself with supportive friends and avoid negative influences.

E – Embrace Repentance and Change:

• Cultivate a heart of repentance and actively pursue positive change.

S – Set Goals and Develop a Plan:

• Establish realistic goals and create a practical plan for personal growth.

S – Seek Guidance Through Discipleship:

• Engage in discipleship and seek guidance from experienced believers.

The “HOLINESS” acronym can serve as a simple and memorable guide for integrating these practical tips into your daily life, helping you on your journey towards a more holy and Christ-like existence.

Access To Holiness

In the pursuit of holiness, Christians find not only a calling but a source of power that transcends mere words. As Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 4:20, the kingdom of God is not in word but in power—a power that tears the veil, granting access to the holies of holies (Hebrews 10:20).

Psalm 119:9 reminds us of the path to purity—guarding our ways according to God’s Word. Holiness is not a rigid set of rules but a matter of the heart—a continuous journey marked by love for what God loves and a disdain for what He hates.

Walking in Holiness

As we navigate this highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8-10), we discover the gateway to true freedom and joy beyond the constraints of religion. Holiness is the condition of the heart that prepares us for the imminent return of our Savior, ensuring that, as His bride, we stand pure and blameless before Him.

Conclusion:

Holiness is not a destination but a continuous journey—a life marked by a heart consecrated to God, a will aligned with His truth, and a pursuit of entire conformity to that truth. In embracing holiness, we prepare ourselves for the imminent return of our Savior, ensuring that as His bride, we stand spotless and blameless before Him. Applying the “HOLINESS” acronym can help keep us on the narrow path toward Christ-centered living.