Last week, in discussing the Christian walk, I noted that a primary characteristic of that walk would be to acknowledge the holiness of God, and to respond in reverent fear, worship and in humble service to Him (2 Timothy 1:9, NIV “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time”). This week I want to discuss the significance of recognizing the holiness of God as an excellent starting point in continuing to develop a deeper understanding of the Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord. Living a Christian life with a focus on the holiness of God helps keeps us humble in our daily walk, for in reality we are nothing without Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior (John 15:5, NIV “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”).
Part of recognizing the holiness of God is keeping in the forefront of our mind and walk the importance of God’s saving grace. Whether we are a Christian or not, we all fall short of the glory of God and therefore deserve death and punishment for our sins or wrongdoings (Romans 6:23 NIV “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”). The good news of the Gospel is that God in His holiness and love, sent His son Jesus Christ to be sacrificed on the cross as a substitute for the punishment we deserve for our sins, and so that we can be seen by God as righteous, and therefore live with him in eternity. (Acts 4:12, NIV “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved”). We cannot attain this righteousness on our own, for no matter what we do or how good we are, we will always fall short of God’s glory (we cannot be saved through our own self-righteousness, our own efforts to live a good or holy life).
Therefore, the only way to be seen as righteous in God’s eyes and to be saved from eternal punishment for our sins is to be assigned Christ’s righteousness through accepting this gift of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior (Philippians 3:8-9, NIV “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith”).
I never want to lose this primary focus on the holiness of God, for in those moments I see myself for the worthless sinner that I am, and I know that the only bridge between the gap of God’s holiness and my sinfulness is Christ Jesus. This sparks a desire to love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to grow deeper in devotion to to Him and His calling for my life. Oh, and just in case you do not know me, I fall short every day in my desire to love God to be sure, but I will still stand firm in my faith, for God is a holy God, most worthy of worship and praise.
Psalm 145 (NIV) A psalm of praise. Of David.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.