A New Look at an Old Truth
The absence of biblical teaching on the subject of holiness has lead many to take positions contrary to the will of the Lord and in rebellion to His word. On one hand, some believers, seeking to amend their lives to reflect personal holiness, have become nothing more than Pharisaical—outward conformity with inward darkness. Others, sincerely fearing the mockery of carnal believers, have grown convinced that holiness is to be avoided lest one be labeled a Holy Roller, holier-than-thou, or some other derogatory term. Honestly, a new look at this old truth would do much to help both sides.
The Possibility of Holiness
Before considering the make-up of holiness, each individual should take time to consider whether or not it is even possible for him to be holy.
In short, man’s potential for holiness is dependent upon his spiritual condition. In relation to this, the New Testament organizes the entirety of mankind in one of three categories: the natural man—an unsaved man (1 Corinthians 2:14); the spiritual man—one who is saved and walking in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:1); and the carnal man—one who is saved but walking after the flesh, either because of immaturity in the faith or willful disobedience (1 Corinthians 3:1).
For the natural man, he is neither holy nor does he have the potential to be holy in his position or practice. The latter categories (spiritual or carnal) do, however, carry with them positional holiness and the potential for practical holiness. Whether or not practical holiness is present is concurrent with a man’s yielding to the new nature that was created within him at the time of his new birth.
The Bible has much to say about the new nature, also known as the new man (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). For one, it is a resurrected life enabled and empowered by Christ (Romans 6:4-5; Romans 7:6; Ephesians 2:1, 5-6; Colossians 2:12-13; Colossians 3:1; see Philippians 3:10). Second, it is this nature that makes it possible to live holy (Galatians 2:20).
The Basics of Holiness
As a saved man yields himself and his life to the Lord and to the scripture, the new man or new nature is strengthened and holiness thrives. The biblical pattern for this holiness is contrary to the common thought of what constitutes holiness.
To better understand the biblical order and process by which holiness is manifest, one must understand the difference between the state of being, the act of doing, and the joy of feeling.
The State of Being speaks to what a person IS, whether positionally or practically, and not necessarily what he/she does. This aspect of holiness is often communicated using verbs such as am, be, is, art, and are. For example, the Bible declares, “as he which hath called you IS holy, so BE ye holy...Because it is written, BE ye holy; for I AM holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Just as God IS holy in His person/being, we too are called to BE holy. This is the state of BEING holy!
Second is the Act of Doing. This involves that which can be seen, but it can be deceiving. If all things are right, the act of doing is based upon the state of being. Psalm 145:17 exposes this relationship by stating, “The LORD is righteous in all his ways”—state of being, “and holy in all his works”—act of doing. While men may strive to deceive, the natural order is that righteous doings proceed from those who are righteous in heart—also known as the state of being (Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21).
Lastly, one must understand the Joy of Feeling. Sadly, two extremes tend to exist when considering this final aspect: first, putting the pursuit of holy feelings ahead of being holy and doing holy, or second, the minimization of feelings as though they play no part in the Christian experience. Both of these extremes are unhealthy for the Christian life and they are not based upon the authority of the Bible.
As is to be expected, the scripture presents a balanced view. For example, 1 Chronicles 16:10 declares, “let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.” The joy of feeling—“let the heart of them rejoice” follows the act of doing—“that seek the LORD.” Similarly, Psalm 32:11 places the joy of feeling—“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice...and shout for joy” after the state of being—“ye righteous” or “all ye that are upright in heart.” The same truths are discoverable in 1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Chronicles 15:15; and Psalm 33:21.
When the State of Being, the Act of Doing, and the Joy of Feeling get out of order, it tends to expose that a man is seeking to demonstrate holiness in the strength of his own flesh rather than letting it grow naturally, or rather supernaturally, in his heart as he yields to the Lord. Furthermore, an improper order can be the clearest distinction between a Pharisee and a sincerely consecrated saint.
The Explanation of Holiness
To help us truly understand the goal of holiness, the Lord provided synonyms or companion words to better illustrate the point of holiness. One of those words is the word godly. Simply put, godliness suggests that one is LIKE God. Another of these is the word Christian. This word was used to speak of disciples who were deemed to be LIKE Christ (Acts 11:26). Ultimately, holiness involves being like unto the Lord.
With this in mind, just as it is with the Lord, holiness begins on the inside with one’s being and manifests itself to others on the outside via one’s doings and feelings.
The State of Being is tied undeniably to the condition of man’s mind, heart, or soul. This is why the Bible admonishes believers to have right minds and hearts. As such, Christ’s criticism of Israel could just as well be said of us—“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).
Once holiness is rooted within one’s being, it soon shows itself in his doings and in his feelings. While this can be feigned without (2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 1 Timothy 1:1-11), true godliness shows. For example, Galatians 5:25 states, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
In short, from a holy heart comes holy actions and as a result of holy doings come holy feelings. Anything else is a counterfeit holiness.
The challenge for us is first to consider whether or not we are “in the faith,” also known as being saved (2 Corinthians 13:5). Once certain of our salvation, we MUST YIELD to the Spirit’s working in our new nature to make us HOLY in being—like the Lord, then HOLY in actions—like the Lord, then HOLY in feelings—like the Lord!
