“Traditional Holiness”

SUN., JAN. 8, 1995, 7:15 AM
FARM, STUDY

As you know it is our “custom” that I don’t “take requests,” but you also know that this is not an absolute, and occasionally I do respond to what someone, other than you or I, asks for. My unusual servant Richard penned such a request on the end of his letter, and so I’ll respond to his term, in the “way” I have established with you.

There are two basic ways in which holiness can be “determined” in this Christian tradition of ours. The most “traditional” is that of actions and service. It goes back to the Ten Commandments, some of which are “Thou shalt” and others “Thou shalt not.” These remain in effect, of course, and those who would be called holy do what is commanded and refuse to do what it is commanded that you not do. Then, as Jesus in My preaching ministry I commanded and suggested how holy persons should and would act. The Sermon on the Mount encourages faith, selflessness, and certain behaviors.

As the Church, My Body, was established it began to add to what those who would be holy should and should not do… and say. Some of these proclamations and prohibitions were acceptable to Me, but I saw the motivations as those to “appear to be” holy, in contrast to non-Christians… or even among Christians. A “strong” Christian was one who acted in ways that were not sinful, and being not sinful became… holy. Of course humility was a virtue, so those who were holy by reasons of actions should be reluctant to announce this to others, so it was frustrating when this sometimes difficult “goodness” was not recognized by those who “should have noticed.”

Unfortunately, among those who judge holiness by actions there often is more attention given to certain obvious “negative” actions and words. Saying “Damn” or “shit” or using any of My several Names “in vain” seems to be more noticeable than giving generously to others, doing acts of kindness, reading My Scriptures… and… I am quite aware of all that each of you do and say, AND I am even more aware of your motivations, in relation to others and to Me. AND, again, My judgment as to holiness is obviously more important than self-appointed judges among spiritual people.

Now the other approach to holiness came after and because of My death on the cross, as Jesus, and My resurrection and ascension. My servant Paul proclaimed that I had taken the sins of each of you and of the world upon Myself, and that My voluntary death on the cross was atonement for those sins, even to this day. Call it grace, and accept that as you genuinely call Me your Lord and Savior you become holy, whatever your actions. Now it can be assumed that if you truly have your hand in Mine your actions will be quite like unto Mine. Yet no action, of commission or omission negates this condition of holiness. As Jesus, I was perfect in actions, by definition. I acted in ways that seemed to break the Sabbath commandment (as virtually all of you do now, despite an hour or more in church of a Sunday morn). I spoke angrily of the Pharisees, those who kept the laws most fully. As you hold My Holy hand, you partake of My Holiness, and it becomes yours.