So, what’s holiness got to do with it?

So, what’s holiness got to do with it?            



God takes holiness seriously.

Preparations had gone on for weeks and weeks and the time had come.

It was the very first of the priestly ministry of Aaron and his two sons, Nadab and Abihu. God had given specific instructions. The young priests and their garments were precisely prepared and consecrated with anointing oil. The tabernacle was complete, consecrated, and anointed. The congregation had gathered.


It was time. But something went terribly wrong.


According to Leviticus 10:1-2 NKJV, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censor and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” WOW!


God is serious about holiness. 
Notice that key word, profane. God does not take kindly to anyone profaning what He calls holy. Let’s repeat that: God does not take kindly to anyone profaning what He calls holy. The word profane literally means strange or unauthorized. It is calling common or using in a common way something which God calls holy.

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Here are some examples: His name (Isaiah 57:15). “You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies You” (Leviticus 22:32 NKJV). When someone misuses the name of God, Jesus, or Holy Spirit they are profaning the name of Jehovah God—i.e., profanity. The tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33). When someone uses the tithe for anything other than God’s Kingdom, they’re calling common something God declares holy.  


God is serious about holiness. The occurrence with Nadab and Abihu has always troubled me, but God is God and He is sovereign. He knew what was best at that moment in time. 


In His mercy, we currently live in what many call “the age of grace.” Thankfully, God does not consume us with fire when we profane a thing He has declared to be holy. I would have certainly been zapped a long time ago.  But we should be on notice that God sees our infractions yet stands ready to forgive when we repent. With the shedding of His innocent blood, Jesus took the punishment we deserve for all our sins. Thank You, Jesus!


I appreciate the grace period offered at our public library. If I don’t return a book by the due date, I have a few days of grace which allow me to get it there without penalty. If I don’t get the book there before the end of the grace period, then I must pay up. No one knows the day nor the hour when this cosmic grace period we’re living in will end (Matthew 25:13). When it does end, people will need to pay up. It is urgent to be ready for that day (John 12:47).


After establishing the church in Thessalonica, Paul had been away for a while. He was pleased when Timothy brought back a good report of the growing faith and love of the young ministry, despite affliction and persecution.  Paul sent a letter of encouragement back to the Thessalonians, encouraging them to “stand fast in the Lord” and exhorting them to remain moral and pure, especially regarding sexual behavior (1 Thessalonians 3:8; 4:1-8).


Paul wrote, “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 NKJV). “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).


Paul encourages us to be blameless in holiness. In rejecting this call of God, we are rejecting God. I think we’d all agree that without God’s Spirit is us, we cannot be holy, as Paul reminds us at the end of verse 8. Holiness is a minute by minute relationship with our Creator. It is what separates us from the world and worldliness. Holiness is putting on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and standing firm in faith. 


Being holy is choosing to be set apart from cares, distractions, ways of our flesh, and the world’s systems. Instead, we need to walk out and be dedicated to the sacred purpose* of God’s divine call on the life of each of us. I like that term, sacred purpose. The purpose God created each of us for is a sacred thing. We can be confident that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9) and the outcome will be a life of fullness in joy, hope, peace, and love—a life that leaves a powerful legacy of eternal value for those following behind.


Yes, the call to holiness is a tall order for any human being but the power of holiness brings cosmic results in terms of Eternity. Can you think of someone who influenced you because they lived out the sacred purpose God called them to? Now, think of someone who is coming behind you—who is being influenced by you as you walk out the sacred purpose—the holiness—to which God has called you.


I often remind myself of James’ words, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16b NKJV). If I want my prayers to avail much, then I need to be mindful of the call to holiness and live righteously. I did not say perfectly. I fall short more than I want to admit but God knows my heart and sees my efforts. And I’m so grateful for the Holy Spirit helping me.  


Will you pray with me? Holy Father, You know me well, even my every thought and each beat of my heart. Please help me to live holy before You. Sometimes it’s hard and I falter, doing things I don’t want to do and know I shouldn’t do. But Lord, you always stand ready to forgive me when I come to the place of repentance. Thank You. And thank You for Your Holy Spirit in me, putting a check in my spirit, correcting me, encouraging me, and helping me. You’re so full of love and grace. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.


©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

*sacred purpose – I really like this term.  Spirit-Filled Life Bible; Thomas Nelson Publishing; 1991; Word Wealth for Leviticus 19:2; page 171

Nominal vs. Actual Christian

Nominal vs. Actual Christian            

Are you a Christian? Are you a nominal or an actual Christian?

If you’ve been around Christendom for very long you likely have heard the term, nominal Christian. The Google definition of nominal is “existing or being something in name only … may vary from the actual.” Synonyms are minimal and token. *

On the other hand, actual is defined as “existing in fact or reality, … not false.” Synonyms are authentic and genuine. **

The Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization (LCWE), founded by Billy Graham, defines a nominal Christian as "a person who has not responded in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord." The LCWE notes that such a person "may be a practicing or non-practicing church member …  He may give intellectual assent to basic Christian doctrines and claim to be a Christian.” *** 

Photo by Josh Felise from Unsplash

I propose that a nominal Christian is a Christian in name only and thus not a Christian at all, according to the whole truth of Scripture. Ultimately, it is God who defines Christian—not any man. He is the final judge—not any man.

But if a person is not quite sure, especially if they don’t know exactly what the Bible really says about being a true follower of Jesus Christ, then it is of upmost importance to find out. Since one’s eternal destination depends on it, it’s the most important thing about anyone’s life, because none of us know when we’ll breathe our last breath. 

The gospel writer, Matthew warns that in that day some will proclaim, “Lord, Lord,” but will be turned away from God’s Eternal Kingdom and hear God say, “I never knew you; depart from me.”

God knows the thoughts and intents of every man’s heart. He knows thoroughly every sin and motive. The final reckoning will be done by the God of Creation. Only He knows, with certainty, what each one has done with His Son, Jesus, who came to earth to redeem whoever would believe and receive Him.

With God as the judge, there will be no explaining, no rationalizing, and no arguing. There will be no opportunity for a change of heart or a change of mind. 

“And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV).

A few years ago, when my grandson was about fourteen years old, we were discussing the recent death of a family member. I mentioned that at least that person was a Christian so we could be confident they were with Jesus and we would see them again. 

My grandson said, “Well if someone is not a Christian when they die, they can decide to be one then, can’t they?” 

I was surprised at his words, because here was a young fellow who had gone to church regularly all of his life. I was grateful to have to opportunity to get him straightened out on this primary Christian doctrine. And he seemed grateful to have accurate information. This is a Bible truth of upmost importance!

Granted, he was young. But he was a church kid—one who professes Christianity. 

When discussing questions like, “Are you ready to meet your maker?” and “Are you going to Heaven when you die?” I have heard people say things like, “Well, I sure hope so.” 

Another frequent answer is, “Well, I’m a good person.” 

What would be your answer? Or, how have you heard others respond?

The above answers suggest a lack of understanding of what it means to be a Christian—a true follower of Christ Jesus. Hoping so indicates a lack of assurance. An actual Christian would know what the Bible says well enough to know where they stand. 

Here are suggestions of what to do if you are not completely sure, beyond a doubt, that you are a born-again Christian—if you don’t have assurance that you’ll go to Heaven when you die—I suggest you do these things:

1- Pray right now and ask God to lead you to the way of salvation.

2- Say “Yes” to Jesus. “Yes, Jesus, I believe You are who the Bible says You are. I believe in You and want You to live in me. Please help me live according to Your ways. In Jesus name, amen.

3- Read the Bible, especially the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Learn Jesus. Get to know Him. He’s your Savior. 

4- Get involved in a Bible believing church. Don’t just attend on Sundays. Faithfully attend a Sunday School class or Bible study. Become a part of what God is doing in your community through His church.

5- Talk with an authentic Christian and tell that person of your decision to follow Jesus. Beware, there are lots of preachers and spiritual leaders who are themselves not actual Christians. The blind leading the blind is not what you need. It is God’s desire that none parish in Hell for eternity. (2 Peter 3:9) 

God gives us free will and we each choose for ourselves what we will do with Jesus. Therefore, the eternal destination for each of us is our own choice. 

  

“What a heartbreak it would be to live an almost Christian life, then almost get into Heaven.” -Author unknown

 

Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8).  

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJV).

Timothy proclaims that in the last days it will be common for people to commit many and various sins yet “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

The Apostle John said, “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4 JKJV). 

Do you call yourself a Christian?  

Are you a nominal Christian or an authentic Christian?

When you pass through death’s portal and come face to face with the Living God, He will not ask that or any other questions because He will know. You will have already decided. Your decision to believe in and follow Jesus or not, prior to that moment, is all that matters. 

Please be sure you have the right answer. Eternity is a long, long time.

©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

* https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nominal

** https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actual

*** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nominal_Christian

Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance

Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance      

What is the most valuable thing about being a born-again follower of Jesus? 

Certainly the benefits are beyond countless but think about it ... 

Eternity is a really long time. The human mind cannot even begin to comprehend FOR-EVER. Close your eyes—right now—and try to imagine Eternity—Forever and ever and ever and ...

As promised, I’m posting the second part of the blessings found in 1 Peter 1. My previous post is titled, “Hope Alive” (posted June 6, 2017).

As a result of God’s abundance of mercy toward all people living hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore the living Christ makes possible a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). And the ultimate hope that is alive in us Jesus followers is the anticipation of our eternal destiny—our place of residence following death or the catching away of the saints—which ever happens first for each of us. 

Verse four of the first chapter of 1 Peter is rich in hope, alive with glorious expectancy. The apostle Peter writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). 

The English Standard Version (ESV) puts it this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

What an amazing inheritance we have! 

It is-

- incorruptible, meaning imperishable; Greek - aphthartos, meaning undecaying; not corruptible, immortal. Synonyms – indissoluble, permanent, endless, eternal, perpetual. (1) page 2118

- undefiled; Greek – amiantos, meaning unsoiled, pure, unpolluted. Synonyms – sincere, unalloyed, holy as being free from admixture of evil, sacred. (1) page 2092

- will not fade away – Greek – amarantos, meaning perpetual; unfading, hence enduring. (1) page 2091

As I was writing this post, I received word that the father of a friend died last night. I didn’t know the father but my friend’s family is confident that their loved-one is now realizing the fullness of his glorious inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and will never fade away. WOW! Think of it.

Of course there is sadness in the passing of a loved one, who will be missed in this earthly life, but the living hope through the resurrection of Jesus eases the pain of separation and calls out to a future reunion that is eternal and greater than anything we can imagine.

Thank You, Father God and thank You, Jesus, our Savior.

©Copyright 2017 Connie Wohlford