More Holiness (was aog)

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On Tue, 3 Sep 1996 09:54:04 -0500 (CDT), you wrote:

>> Your idea of encompassing "inward" standards in preaching holiness is a
>> good one and should be propagated amongst the brethern (and sistern).

>The "inward" holiness is as important as the outward appearance.
>Without the inward holiness, we are nothing but whited sepulchres.

Without inward holiness we have no holiness at all, in spite of
outward appearance. However, unless the so-called "inward holiness" is
allowed to manifest itself outwardly, what power does it really have ?
Is it really the manifest power of the Spirit of God, whose NATURE is
Holy, imparting His rich, life changing nature to us as partakers of
the divine nature?

Someone recently told me, "the only sign of the Holy Ghost is the
fruit if the Spirit".  It was an interesting comment. I guess a fruit
tree is not a fruit tree until it has fruit falling into your hand. I
wasnt sure how anyone could reason that a "result" was a "sign". Seems
strange that a sign in required, when there is something obvious at
hand. On the other hand he just put Mahatma Ghandi in heaven along
with my 4th grade english teacher, and of course yours and everyone
else's grandma.

A sign in a sign. Every component in the plan of God has its purpose. 

The Bible teaches "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without
which no man shall see the Lord:" - Heb 12:14

Certainly there are a lot of requirements to living with God. While I
acknowledge and agree with the sentiment of the comments, I believe
that holiness is a distinctive teaching concerning the separation of a
people for God. Holiness DOES commence in the heart, and ought first
effect the thinking and disposition of an individual toward God, then
his fellow man, and then, toward himself.

However, it has been implied by those in recent years who have chosen
to rail against the people of God and invoke the label Pharisee
(notice that is the lable reserved for the perenial 'bad guy', in
religious circles, no matter who is accusing), that a faultering in
attitude, or in word is ample reason for tossing so-called "external
holiness" into a ditch, lest we be considered hypocrites.

May I point out that, in the mechanism of the new birth, the tongue is
the LAST member to be brought under subjection to God. One may repent
in tears and ashes, and make restiution for things done against God
and man, but his tongue may yet be a rebelious member. No man can tame
that member! As has been noted, one can dress right and speak wrong.
This is NOT strange! This is normal.

We OUGHT to find it easier to bring the activities of this flesh under
subjection to the word of God, than to control every word and
attitude. But brethren, this is WHY we have the overcoming power of
God in our lives! Should we collapse and say, because I am not
perfect, I ought in frustration and wrecklessness to  abandon
everything that I do which I have been taught pleases God ? Of course
NOT! The SAME power which provided me wistom and agreement to walk in
"outward holiness" to the Lord before the world WILL provide
overcoming power and produce the fruitds of the Spirit IF I allow it
to work in me, with daily repentance..

"Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and
platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. - Matt 23:26"

The end product of the work of God is perfection within and without.
It ought not to be confusing to realize that the ultimate war is not
with out dress but with our heart. In my experience, our churches do
teach this fervently, but thank you Bro. Ward for bringing this to our
attention again.

Nevertheless it seems that holiness teaching is a good label for
issues that pertain to behavior, and personal living, AS it pertains
to the separation of the Christian from the world. We must NEVER
forget that it is God's desire that we be unique and different and
that this difference be striking and impressive to the world which
encounters us.


To be real honest with you, I'd like to see people place a little MORE
emphasis on living for God in *outward* manners, not LESS.

-mwb