There is a sad truth alive in the church today. There is a war between Grace and Holiness. This is a sad thing, truly disheartening, when in balance these work as a perfect tandem. Yet, believers have taken them as flags and rallying cries
On one aisle we say that sin must be confronted, and confront it they do, with every message from their lips.
On the other aisle we find God's love, grace and mercy. However, do we find it too much? Are we coated into believing that God's love is SO sufficient that we no longer must change who we are, that God alone understands and rectifies in His own time? Is there so much grace as to redefine the very definition of holiness?
In the Scripture we find that both causes have merit. There must be a balance. Sadly, this has become a source of division amongst us. Lets look at some Scripture!
1 Peter 5:10
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
So, the grace of God establishes us, restores us, etc. Grace is a very powerful tool in the arsenal of God. Grace also does cover a multitude of sins according to scripture. (1 Peter 4:8) Ephesians 2:8 teaches us that is by the grace of God itself that we have been saved. Nothing through works could save our soul, so Christ came in as the perfect sacrifice.
1 Peter 1:14-16
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."
Well, that seems pretty clear that those who support the "holiness" to have merit. God does call us to a higher standard of living and it seems clear that to not live that way removes you from His presence. Hebrews 12 says that without holiness no one will see The Lord.
Now, at first glance it might seem like we've reached a predicament. Is the Bible contradicting itself? Of course not!
Hebrews 12:14-15
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see The Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble..."
It would seem these things go hand and hand and work together! I brought all of this up to hit this point: Don't allow doctrinal differences to separate us as a body. We as a church must unify so that we can save a dying world. Christ has transformed my life. Not only did he stoop down and grab me from the pit I was in pre-Christ, but he also has helped me so much since I accepted Him into my heart to be my Lord and Savior.
As you enter into your day in prayer, I want to give you a mission. Reach out to a member of another denomination. I believe these are the last days. I believe there is proof. Consider this, and consider how many of this world still do not know Christ as you do. So, whether you're Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, Church of God in Christ or any denomination not listed, lets work on being one body, one mind, one Spirit and one unified entity that is going to work for Jesus to help the world see the Light!!!
Thanks everyone, and God bless, I love all of ya'll!
~Deuce
2/17/2014
On one aisle we say that sin must be confronted, and confront it they do, with every message from their lips.
On the other aisle we find God's love, grace and mercy. However, do we find it too much? Are we coated into believing that God's love is SO sufficient that we no longer must change who we are, that God alone understands and rectifies in His own time? Is there so much grace as to redefine the very definition of holiness?
In the Scripture we find that both causes have merit. There must be a balance. Sadly, this has become a source of division amongst us. Lets look at some Scripture!
1 Peter 5:10
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
So, the grace of God establishes us, restores us, etc. Grace is a very powerful tool in the arsenal of God. Grace also does cover a multitude of sins according to scripture. (1 Peter 4:8) Ephesians 2:8 teaches us that is by the grace of God itself that we have been saved. Nothing through works could save our soul, so Christ came in as the perfect sacrifice.
1 Peter 1:14-16
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."
Well, that seems pretty clear that those who support the "holiness" to have merit. God does call us to a higher standard of living and it seems clear that to not live that way removes you from His presence. Hebrews 12 says that without holiness no one will see The Lord.
Now, at first glance it might seem like we've reached a predicament. Is the Bible contradicting itself? Of course not!
Hebrews 12:14-15
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see The Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble..."
It would seem these things go hand and hand and work together! I brought all of this up to hit this point: Don't allow doctrinal differences to separate us as a body. We as a church must unify so that we can save a dying world. Christ has transformed my life. Not only did he stoop down and grab me from the pit I was in pre-Christ, but he also has helped me so much since I accepted Him into my heart to be my Lord and Savior.
As you enter into your day in prayer, I want to give you a mission. Reach out to a member of another denomination. I believe these are the last days. I believe there is proof. Consider this, and consider how many of this world still do not know Christ as you do. So, whether you're Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, Church of God in Christ or any denomination not listed, lets work on being one body, one mind, one Spirit and one unified entity that is going to work for Jesus to help the world see the Light!!!
Thanks everyone, and God bless, I love all of ya'll!
~Deuce
2/17/2014