Holiness: An Introduction

Holiness

An Introduction

I. Introduction: The Christian life should be one characterized by holiness.

A. A common perception of holiness.

1. “For many people, the word, if it conveys anything at all, revives memories of stained glass windows depicting pale and unhealthy-looking faces with bones clearly visible under a thin layer of flesh! It reminds us of hair shirts and other things designed to ensure that life not be enjoyable. And always present, of course, is the halo to underline how far the whole idea is from the realities of the twentieth century.” Kenneth Prior

B. Biblical illustrations of holiness.

1. Elijah

2. John the Baptist

3. Paul

4. Peter

5. Jesus

6. Caesar’s household Phil. 4:22

C. The attractevness of holiness.

1. “Holiness, rightly understood, is an attractive quality.” Kenneth Prior

2. Oprah Winfrey and A course on Miracles.

3. “Spiritual Disciplines” trend

a. Richard J. Foster

b. Dallas Willard

c. Chuck Swindoll

d. Be Still dvd

D. Holiness and Sanctification are related concepts.

1. In both Hebrew and Greek the words translated are derived from the same

root.

2. The concepts behind the terms.

a. Growth in Grace

b. Victory over sin

c. Present work of the Holy Spirit

d. Transformation of human nature

3. “Holiness...is a practical concept, and has to do with our present earthly life

rather than with some future heavenly existence (glorification is the word for

that”). Prior

4. Definition given by the Westminster Catechism

“The work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man

after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin,

and live unto righteousness.”

E. Holiness is characteristic of a Christian

1. It was in the mind of God for every Christian.

a. Ephesians 1:4

b. Romans 8:29

2. To all members of the church

a. 1Thessalonians 4:3

b. 1Corinthians 1:1-2

3. It is a priority. Hebrews 12:14

F. Conclusion

1. Holiness deals with our present relationship with God.

2. The purpose of holiness is to enable us to die to sin and live righteously.

3. Holiness is concerned with our Christian growth.

4. Holiness should be a priority in our lives.