January 4th
Read: Hebrews 10:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 John 3:2,3
Holiness is attainable. Andrew Murray wrote a book, “Holy in Christ”, in which he brings together two thoughts; First that we are to be holy, and Second, that God supplies the means to that end, namely Christ.
“Holy–the word which reveals the purpose with which God from eternity thought of man, and tells what man’s highest glory in the coming eternity will be; to be partakers of His holiness.
In Christ–the Word in which all the wisdom and love of God are unveiled. The Father giving His Son to be one with us; the Son dying on the cross to make us one with Himself. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us to establish and maintain that union.Holy in Christ–the two thoughts combined. Here is God’s provision for our holiness and His response to our question, how can I be holy?
In Christ is the bridge that crosses the gulf between God and man.”
Our vision of holiness in ourselves must be based on God’s promises given at the beginning in Hebrews l0:l4 and John 3:2,3. God has not set us an impossible standard. He has given us power to achieve it, rather, He is the One who works it in us. He expects from us a consistent walk in the Holy Spirit.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “I am persuaded that I shall obtain the highest amount of present happiness, I shall do most for God’s glory and the good of man, and I shall have the fullest reward in eternity by maintaining a conscience always washed in Christ’s blood, by being filled with the Holy Spirit at all times, and by attaining the most entire likeness to Christ in mind, will, and heart, that it is possible for a redeemed sinner to attain in the world. The greatest need of those around me is my personal holiness.”
Do I believe that the greatest need of those around me, excepting the need for Jesus, is my personal holiness?….that of my husband, my children, my co-workers, my parents? We have an enormous responsibility in this area.
AH, JESUS
Ah, Jesus, when I think on Thee
And how Thy life was spent
For one who comes unworthily,
So steeped in discontent,
My tears spring forth, but as I weep
Your healing power doth spill
Into my heart and thence doth sweep
My being ’til ’tis still.
I have no thing to bear as gift,
No cloak to hide my shame,
Yet Your strong arms do naught but lift
When I but speak Your name.
‘Tis not too much for You to ask
That my poor contrite heart
Should seek obedience to its task
And from its sin depart.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your promise to sanctify me and perfect me forever. Give me a spirit of co-operation with Your Holy Spirit, who convinces me of my sin and Your righteousness.