"Put on the
new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" Ephesians
4:24.
Some hide behind
counterfeit holiness. There are men who are just as unholy as the ones
contented in sin-- but these wear something like a breastplate, a counterfeit
holiness to save their reputation in the world. "Certainly, I say unto
you, they have their reward" Matthew 6:2. And what a measly reward! You
are doing the devil a double service, and God a double disservice, to march
into battle armed with hypocrisy. First you draw the prince's expectations
towards you as a soldier who will attempt courageous duties for him. But then
when you do nothing he sees only a traitor taking up the place of a faithful
subject armed for victory. You do your prince more harm than the coward who
stays home, or rebelliously runs over the enemy's camp and tells him plainly
what he intends to do.
Be serious,
friends. If you are after holiness make, sure it is true holiness. "Put on
the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true
holiness" Ephesians 4:24. Observe two phrases in that passage. Holiness is
called the "new man after God"-- that is, according to the likeness
of God. Such a sculpture is drawn from God's being, as an artist copies the
face of a man. Also, "true holiness,” means a holiness of Scripture truth,
not pharisaical and traditional doctrine; as well it means a holiness, which
has as its point of reference the heart, which is the seat of truth or
falsehood.
In order to have
true holiness then, the Christian must have righteousness and holiness in his
heart. Many people have beauty of holiness which is like the attractiveness of
the body-- skin deep and all on the surface. If you tear open the most
beautiful body on earth you will not find much except blood and stench; so
also, when counterfeit holiness is exposed, it will have only an abundance of
spiritual impurities and filth inside.”
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete
Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell.
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