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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
People tend to gravitate to the extremes in life, even Christian people. Many wholeheartedly embrace the Bible’s teaching on mercy, grace and a faith that saves regardless of personal accomplishment and “works” (Ephesians 2:8,9) while glossing over its clarion call to holiness. Others use the call to deeds of righteousness (Ephesians 2:10) as a means of validating their lifestyles and to coerce others into following their example while offering little in the way of mercy, grace or graciousness. Yet the Bible offers clear evidence of God’s boundless grace along-side his expectation of a fruitful life.
In fact, John goes so far as to say, “By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” (The proof of our salvation as opposed to the cause of it.) “The one who says, ‘I have come to know him,’ and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:3,4 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives…” as Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11,12 & 14.
Paul puts it this way, “…if anyone is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Jesus having assured every true seeker that, “…no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 Elsewhere he pointedly asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Assenting to his wisdom, goodness or even the possibility of godliness is not enough, as that involves no repentance of sin or faith in a Savior; a transforming commitment is called for and expected. An acceptance of grace infers a realization of its necessity, a recognition of our own desperate circumstances; grace being unmerited yet activated by acceptance and repentance. Righteousness is then achieved by faith (Romans 1:17), faithfulness being our response to that gift of mercy and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 2:9,10)
A proper understanding of the holiness of God creates true worship directed to him. “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.” Hebrews 1:13 And a proper attitude concerning our own condition. “There is no one righteous, not even one… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10 & 23 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking it all.” James 2:10 Which is not a vindictive means of keeping us in place by an overbearing God, but a necessary appreciation of the whole law, seen as a complete unit that directs us to our heavenly father. On our own, we tend to compartmentalize God’s expectations of us into good – bad – better; actually excusing some infractions as inevitable – winking at their occurrences and shrugging off their consequences. To God, sin is sin, it all progressively condemning us to separation from him. As Philip Yancey asserts, “What (we) do matters. More, what (we) do matters to God, who created this world and set the rules we disregard at our peril.”1
“For you were once darkness,…you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world… All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts… but now you are light in the land. (Therefore) lives as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10,2:1-3
Check back next week to further examine God’s clear call to holiness.
1From Rumors of Another World, Zondervan Publishing
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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