“True Holiness Defined”
Text: Ephesians 4:24
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Introduction:
Somewhere in the counsels of eternity the pattern conceived-holiness. Holiness is the sum of moral attributes of God—all-inclusive. Holiness must involve all of man. When the emphasis is placed on one particular area, the pattern is distorted. Such as putting a strong emphasis on dress standards and laying the rest of the pattern aside. True holiness involves a fourfold definition. Let us take a look at them in this message.
I. Holiness is a Doctrine to be Believed and Taught.
A. The doctrine is scriptural; especially emphasized in
the book of Ephesians.
B. The doctrine has a place in many traditional creeds, of
various faiths.
C. Holiness is a two-fold work of Grace.
D. The two-fold nature of sin makes a twofold remedy
necessary. (Ephesians 2:1, 3)
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. The acts of sin is what it means here in this verse.
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. In this verse it is talking about the cause of sin which is the nature that is in us from birth.
II. Holiness is an Experience to be Received and Enjoyed.
A. For Christians only. “ After that ye believed.”
(Ephesians 1:13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”
B. Provided by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
C. Received by faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
D. Instantaneously (Ephesians 4:24). “Filled with the
Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
E. A know-so experience--“sealed” (Ephesians 1:13).
III. Holiness is a Way of Life. It involves Standards.
A. The “new man” is different from the “old.”
B. We are exhorted to “walk worthy” of the name
Christian.
C. No rigid rules can apply to everybody because of
variations in light and accountability.
D. But holiness people accept broad expressions of
group conscience which serve as guides for life and
conduct. The General Rules of the God’s Missionary
Church are an illustration, and serve as a minimum.
IV. Holiness is the Spirit which Characterizes Sanctifies Christians.
A. “Walk in Love.” “Keep the unity of the Spirit.”
“Speaking the truth in love.”
Conclusion:
Is the fourfold pattern illustrated in you?
Outline by Fletcher Galloway
