Prayer Journal

Tuesday, December 12, 2000
347/19
Read the Bible through in OneYear

"A separation to God's work by the power of the Holy Spirit is the only consecration recognized by God as legitimate." E.M Bounds

In Exodus, God's character is defined through His name. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.'" Ex 31:13

The phrase, "Who makes you holy" could also be interpreted, "the One who sets you apart". God told Moses on Mt. Sinai, "My name is Jehovah - mekoddishkem, the Lord who sanctifies you". But, what exactly is "holiness"?

"Holiness" is not a dirty word, even though some may think so. When God redeemed us, He in effect, removed the stain of sin that identified us with the world. Sin separates us from God. When He gave us the Holy Spirit, He cleaned the place where He would dwell. In effect, He made us holy when the Holy Spirit came into our lives.

However, God knows that each breath we take is another opportunity for the sin "nature" within us to lure us back into the world. The pleasures we've enjoyed for so long before we were saved, proves to be a powerful temptation long after we're saved. It is after we've surrendered to our sin nature, that we should ask God to clean us again. A Christian longs to be in such a position where nothing comes between us and Jesus:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

You should know that God does not accept us on the basis of our cleanliness but on the basis of our position through His son, Jesus. He is holy, therefore we are considered holy through Him. So why pursue holiness? "Therefore he (Jesus Christ) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Heb 7:25

We need to be clean in order to enjoy fellowship with our Lord. If you've ever experienced this fellowship, you need no other reason. Remember - Holiness is a position, not a presumption.    Just Thinkin'.. WebServant

 

(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.

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