The Holiness Message

Rico · #1 07-15-2007, 04:06 PM

I got the title of this thread from a post someone made on a different thread. When I read these three words the first question that came to mind was, "What exactly is the holiness message?" How does the Bible define holiness and what are biblical examples of holiness?

#2 07-15-2007, 04:09 PM

It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is.

#3 07-15-2007, 04:14 PM

What are you looking to justify?

Rico · #4 07-15-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deseret

What are you looking to justify?

Stop making accusations. It isn't pretty.

Barb · #5 07-15-2007, 04:37 PM

The message for me is "be ye holy for I am holy."

Holy as in godly, made clean, consecrated, set apart for God.

This is done through, but not limited to:

my conversation, whether spoken or written...I don't talk the same trash I used to talk...

my actions...I don't hang out in the same places as I did when I ran the streets unsaved and undone...

my mindset...I don't allow my thoughts to wonder to the carnal nature...

my dress...I don't dress in an indecent manner...

my love...I don't descriminate and not love those who don't agree with me...

For me, that is the message and is one that everyone called by the Name of Christ can easily follow.

Elihu · #6 07-15-2007, 04:48 PM

Excellent question Rico!

In my opinion the holiness message in it's traditional Wesleyan roots is not the same message that Oneness Pentecostals preach today. Their is a huge body of research that has been compiled on the history of the holiness movement in general. One only needs to google "roots of Wesleyan Holiness" to view this research.

Quote:

From Wikepedia:
In general the Holiness Movement sought to promote a Christianity that was personal, practical, life-changing, and thoroughly revivalistic. Four key concepts of the Holiness Movement are (1) regeneration by grace through faith; (2) entire sanctification as a second definite work of grace, received by faith, through grace, and accomplished by the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit;(3) the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Spirit; (4) living a holy life.

In the context of the Holiness Movement, the first concept may take on a personal, and sometimes more emotional quality than in other segments of Christianity. Some participants in the Holiness revival were devout church goers who felt that they had never had a personal “salvation experience."

The second concept refers to a personal experience after regeneration, in which one dedicates oneself fully to God, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to lead a more holy life. Some Holiness groups teach that one can lead a sinless life, properly defined, but others teach that one becomes gradually more holy after this second spiritual experience. It has been called a “second touch,” a “second blessing,” a “filling with the Holy Spirit,” the "baptism with the Holy Spirit," and other terms by various proponents and groups.

The third concept refers to an innate knowledge within the individual who has been regenerated or sanctified, with the evidence of gifts of the Holy Spirit that the spiritual grace has indeed taken place. This is sometimes described as receiving the Holy Ghost or “assurance of salvation.” The extent to which this must necessarily be evidenced by outwardly visible signs, such as speaking in tongues, is an issue of some controversy within the movement.

The fourth concept is that of living a holy life. Most Holiness people interpret this in a similar way as Pentecostal adherents, with women wearing long skirts and long hair and men in slacks. Sleeveless attire, jewelry, and make-up is discouraged as vanity. Moreover, alcohol and tobacco in any form is forbidden, as is any kind of buying or selling on Sunday.[citation needed]

Rhoni · #7 07-15-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barb

The message for me is "be ye holy for I am holy."

Holy as in godly, made clean, consecrated, set apart for God.

This is done through, but not limited to:

my conversation, whether spoken or written...I don't talk the same trash I used to talk...

my actions...I don't hang out in the same places as I did when I ran the streets unsaved and undone...

my mindset...I don't allow my thoughts to wonder to the carnal nature...

my dress...I don't dress in an indecent manner...

my love...I don't descriminate and not love those who don't agree with me...

For me, that is the message and is one that everyone called by the Name of Christ can easily follow.

Sis. Barb,

This is good. I agree. I think the bottom line is putting on the nature and character of God which only comes through intimate relationship with Christ. It is about inner work which is manifested in conversation, dress, and the way we treat others.

Blessings, Rhoni