Saved To A Life Of Holiness

SAVED TO A LIFE OF HOLINESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 1:4

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."

Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 6:1-2, Titus 2:11-12, 2 Corinthians 7:1

INTRODUCTION:

Salvation is not just a rescue from sin and hell; it is a call to a new life—one that reflects the character and nature of God. When we are saved, we are made new creatures in Christ, and part of this transformation includes a life of holiness. Holiness is not optional; it is the evidence of a truly redeemed life.

Many believers today celebrate grace but overlook the responsibility it brings. Grace doesn't excuse sin—it empowers us to live above sin. Holiness means separation from sin and devotion to God. It is not merely about outward behaviour, but an inward posture of the heart that desires to please the Lord.

God's ultimate goal in salvation is not only to bring us to heaven but to make us like Christ in character. Holiness is not legalism; it is a response to the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As saved people, we are called to walk in holiness because the One who saved us is holy.

1. SALVATION CALLS US OUT OF SIN

The first evidence of genuine salvation is a departure from a life of sin.

a) Sin no longer has dominion over the saved

Romans 6:14 – For sin shall not have dominion over you.

b) We are called to die to sin daily

Romans 6:1-2 – Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.

c) New life means a new standard

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

d) Salvation is a change of direction

Acts 3:19 – Repent ye therefore, and be converted.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus.

After his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus repented and turned from his dishonest ways (Luke 19:8-9).

2. HOLINESS IS GOD’S STANDARD FOR THE BELIEVER

Holiness is not a church doctrine; it is the very nature of God and the expectation for His children.

a) God commands us to be holy

1 Peter 1:15-16 – Be ye holy; for I am holy.

b) Holiness is necessary for fellowship with God

Hebrews 12:14 – Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.

c) Holiness is evidence of true conversion

1 John 3:9 – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.

d) The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy

Galatians 5:16 – Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Biblical Example: Daniel.

Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself even in a strange land (Daniel 1:8).

3. GRACE TEACHES US TO LIVE HOLY

Grace is not a licence to sin, but divine enablement to overcome it.

a) Grace brings salvation and trains us

Titus 2:11-12 – Teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.

b) Holiness is the fruit of genuine grace

Romans 6:1-4 – Shall we continue in sin? God forbid.

c) Grace renews our hearts and minds

Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

d) The grace of God disciplines us into righteousness

Hebrews 12:10 – That we might be partakers of His holiness.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul.

Paul, a recipient of great grace, lived a disciplined and holy life, saying, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31).

4. HOLINESS AFFECTS OUR CONDUCT AND LIFESTYLE

True holiness is visible in how we live, speak, and relate with others.

a) Holiness touches every area of our lives

1 Thessalonians 5:23 – Spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless.

b) Modesty and integrity are part of holy living

1 Timothy 2:9-10 – Women should adorn themselves in modest apparel.

c) Holiness is reflected in our speech

Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.

d) Holiness produces the fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 – Love, joy, peace, gentleness…

Biblical Example: Job.

God described Job as upright and blameless, one who feared God and eschewed evil (Job 1:1).

5. HOLINESS IS NECESSARY FOR ETERNAL REWARD

Living holy is not only about this life—it prepares us for eternity with Christ.

a) Only the holy shall dwell with God forever

Revelation 21:27 – Nothing that defileth shall enter the city.

b) Holiness preserves our garments for Christ’s return

Revelation 3:5 – He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment.

c) Holiness qualifies us for the rapture

Matthew 25:10 – They that were ready went in with Him.

d) There are rewards for holy living

2 Timothy 4:8 – A crown of righteousness awaits the holy.

Biblical Example: Enoch

Enoch walked with God in holiness, and God took him—he did not see death (Genesis 5:24).