WALK AS GOD WALKS (4)

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “BE HOLY, for I AM HOLY” – 1 Peter 1: 15-16

To WALK AS GOD WALKS is to Walk in Holiness: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “BE HOLY, for I AM HOLY” (1 Pet. 1: 15-16). God’s children are called to Holiness. However, this call is often viewed as an unattainable feat for humans. Yet, that’s what we are called to be: “Pursue peace with all people, and HOLINESS, without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb.12:14). Regardless of feelings, New Testament Believers are called holy: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Col.3:13).

Hebrews 3:1 says, “Therefore, HOLY BRETHREN, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” Isaiah offered a particularly helpful perspective on Holiness. “A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the HIGHWAY of HOLINESS. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray” (Isa.35:8). There is a Path to Holiness, and it’s up to us to WALK that PATH, every day! This Highway is superior to the ceremonial highways that the Israelites ascended to the feasts to meet the Lord in His holy temple.

There is a Path to be taken, and a choice to be made to take this path. Without ambiguity, Jesus declared: “I am the WAY, and the truth, and the life” (Jh.14:6). Isaiah 35 unveils three benefits of Walking in the Way of Holiness:

Firstly, the unclean shall not pass it, only the redeemed shall walk therein (Isa.35:8). The redeemed are those who have received salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour; not mere doers of “good works.” To a Holy God, even the smallest of sin is big enough to separate one from Him. No sin can enter the Presence of the pure and perfect God. So, Jesus came to be the Way. Without Him, we would have been lost forever! Accepting Him, we’re transformed: “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all unrighteousness” (1Jh.1:7).

Secondly, no lion shall be there, nor ravenous beasts (Isa.35:9). When the Lord is with us, we need not worry about the dangers that surround us. He that is in us is greater than he who is on the world (1 Jh.4:4). In the Way of Holiness, the Holy Spirit not only teaches and guides us; He also protects us. Still, we must be prepared and watchful (Eph.6: 11-12; 1Pet.5:8).

Thirdly, there shall be everlasting Joy (Isa.35:1). There is great Joy when we take refuge in the Lord (Psa.5:11-12). For every truly born-again Christian who walks in the Way of Holiness, it shall be a daily walk joy and gladness, no sorrow or sighing.

Holiness comes from God! We’re made holy at the new birth (Eph.1:4). God makes us His righteousness in Christ (2Cor.5:21). He presents us holy in His sight (Col.1:22). Holiness is imputed to us in Christ. Then, we’re enabled to walk in Holiness through Grace and the Power of the Indwelling Holy Spirit (2Tim.1:9). We are declared holy by God and then called to live a lifestyle of Holiness.

Holiness is ‘separation unto God’ – walking with Him and giving Him total access to all areas of our lives. It is daily yielding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, for our attitudes, behaviours, and responses to line up with God’s Word.

Positionally, God made us holy. Practically, He gives us the ability to Walk in Holiness. However, this will manifest only to the degree that we make concrete decisions to obey Him and walk with Him in the light of what He has already done for us. Holiness not only refers to what we do (action), but also to who we are (heart).