Three Stooges Plus One Thoughts on Theology
Todd’s view on Holiness
What is holiness? How is it used in the biblical sense, and what does it mean in the world? My definition of holiness is “being set apart from sin.” I believe that because God is holy he cannot sin. 1 Samuel 2:2 says, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” Now let’s look at what the Bible has to say. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty (Isaiah 6:3).” What does it mean to be holy, holy, holy? It means that that God is very great. If you use a word one time it has one meaning, but if you use a word more that once it has a great meaning and value. We need to look at God for our holiness. God was just like us, and in all the temptations that Satan gave him he stayed holy and never gave in. I would like to talk about how the world uses the word holiness. In the world’s sense, it can mean having no fun; which does not make sense to the world to pursue holiness.1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 says, “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. There for, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” Wow, if we reject what the Word says to do then we are rejecting Jesus. I have given in to the world’s ways so many times and that is how the devil gets us. We all need to look to God. So, we can find the holiness that give use hope and strength to get through all the struggles, pain, and frustration in life. I would now like to ask you what your view is on holiness, and where are you looking for your holiness?
Dan’s View on Holiness
Many people view Jesus as their friend. This is a true statement for sure. This does not encompass all that Jesus is. Yes Jesus is my friend, but he is not only my friend, he is much more. Jesus is HOLY.
These days we don’t spend a whole lot of time dealing with Jesus being holy. We prefer seeing Jesus as our homeboy, or as a cool logo on some sort of Christian T-shirt. Jesus is far more than a fish on the back of my car, yes even if that fish is devouring a Darwin Logo. Jesus is HOLY. We don’t like speaking or meditating on the moral perfection of Jesus because opens our eyes to own horrific moral imperfection. God’s Holiness only magnifies my SIN. In an age where everyone wants to feel good about themselves talking about sin is not the norm. My sin is an infinite offense against an infinitely holy God.
Here are some observations I have made about men who saw God face to face, and what their reactions were.
God’s Holiness is proclaimed before the throne in Heaven. (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8) They creatures cry out “Holy, Holy, Holy” The most noticeable thing about God in His Presence is His holiness.
Our response in one of incredible humility. (Isaiah 6:5, Jeremiah 1:6, Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 1:17) John talks about how he fell at his feet as though dead. The only human response to the holiness of God is recognize how dirty and sinful I am.
God response with a miraculous interaction. (Isaiah 6:6-7, Jeremiah 1:9, Ezekiel 2:1-2, Revelation 1: 17) In three of the four text there is an actual physical touch from God. (I know Isaiah has a touch from the coal, but it is still a physical touch) God reaches out to us and has a miraculous interaction. WOW. Not the recognition of God’s love or grace that brings this touch, but recognition of His holiness.
Will we fall at the feet of Jesus in recognition of His holiness, and experience a miraculous interaction with Him. I have never meet a man or woman who regrets surrendering their unholy life to the infinitely holy God.
Eric’s View on Holiness
God said, ”wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong (Is 1:16).” What is this verse talking about? Holiness. The main goal of a Christian is to look more like Jesus! First, we must understand what holiness is. Next, we must realize the reasons to grow in holiness. Finally, the consequences of not growing in holiness are examined.
Holiness is “separated, marked off, placed apart, withdrawn from common use. The Scriptures declare God is “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Rev 4:8, Is 6:3). The Bible emphasizes the fact that God is Holy. I do not recall any other attribute of God that is stated three times in a row to add to the importance of the Holiness of God. God is perfect in every way. God by His very nature is Holy. Some might say “angels are holy beings right? They have never sinned.“ Paul Washer said, “It is because holiness is not primarily a reference to God’s sinless perfection, but to His transcendence above even the greatest of His creatures.“ God cannot sin, take part in sin, approve of sin, or be anything less than perfect. Again, if God could be anything less than Holy, He would cease to be God!
The reason to be holy is because it is commanded of us. God calls Christians to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15,16). The LORD tells people to love and forgive, but not to be love and not to be forgiveness. Moreover, He tells His people to be holy. As Christians, we need to be separated from this world. Becoming more like Jesus will result in holiness. The Holy Spirit does this work in our lives (1 Peter 1:2). We need to be holy because of Jesus 2 Cor 5:14-15 states, ”For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (See also Rom 12:1-2 and Eph 4:22-24 for verses on holiness)
What happens if we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to make us holy? Eph 5:5 states, “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Is 59:2 states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Psalms 5:4-5 says, “You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with You the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all who do wrong.”
To often I find myself not growing in holiness. If I say I love Jesus then I should keep His commands. When I find I am not growing in holiness I need to put my focus back on Jesus and not on my self. 1 Samuel 6:20 states, “The men of Beth-shemesh said, ‘who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall He go up from us?’” The answer is Jesus!
Trust Jesus today!
Tell someone about Jesus today!
