How Can We Be Holy?

Stuart Briscoe wrote, “In light of the widespread disinterest in holiness in the church, and the deep distrust outside the church... it is not surprising that the subject is often treated with benign neglect by the church.” Some take the attitude that with so many lost people to be won, concentrating on being holy is a luxury we cannot afford.

Yet Scripture rings with the imperative from heaven’s throne: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15).

Is It Possible?

We must never forget that our holiness is in Christ. He purchased it at the cross. Good works do not make us holy. Only He can make us holy. Then as we walk with Him, live in Him, and remain in Him, He continues to cleanse us.

Suppose we see a man in a sailboat on a windy day. The sailor has his oars out, struggling against the current, and making no progress. How do we advise this sailor? Do we yell from the shore, “Row harder!”?

No, we say, “Hoist your sails.” Why strain against the current when the wind can fill our sails and propel us along? In a similar way, we become holy, not by our own efforts, but through the power of Christ, who can “fill our sails.”

Follow this simple pattern.

Confess

“Yes, Lord, I confess there are inconsistencies in my life. I am full of self-centeredness and selfishness. There are times when I must have my own way. I’m jealous, angry, and proud.” You may also see other traits—bitterness, envy, stubbornness. These are all signs we need cleansing.

Surrender

Many see the need for holiness, but are too proud to wave the white flag of surrender. Many think they have to struggle. Just the opposite is true. We win by surrendering.

Believe

Suppose you surrender to Christ for His cleansing. How do you know it’s done? Believe God. Would He refer to holiness more than 1,100 times in Scripture and then ignore your request? Would He withhold what He has offered? Trust Him.

We live in a culture that is often not friendly to holiness. But don’t let the harsh realities of all the bad things the world says and does blind you to the glorious possibilities of all that God can help you to do and become. •

Ron McClung is an author and Assistant General Secretary, The Wesleyan Church.