No man can work his way into heaven. We are saved only because of, and through him, not through ourselves. However salvation brings about some changes in the new convert. He becomes a new creature in Christ, old things pass away and behold, all things become new. I question any conversion that allows one to continue on his journey without a change in his lifestyle. Without a change, what has he been saved from?? It isn't a change made to be saved, it is a change made because he has already been saved. James said, show mw your faith without works and I will show you my faith by works.. Matt 3:10 says that every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down. Matt 12:3 says every tree is known by his fruit. We are to make the tree good and his fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt. Matt 7:17 says every good tree brings forth good fruit. Matt 5: 16 says to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. How do men see?? With their eyes!! So doesn't that let us know that how we conduct ourselves in conversation, business dealings, dress, speach, ect., have a bearing upon those who are around us?? Is it our life, or is it Christ that lives within us?? What is meant by Christ in you the hope of glory?? Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see God. If holiness is required to see God, shouldn't we give the issue some thought? Holiness means different things to different people. My thoughts have always been along these lines-- Even if it isn't required to be saved, what harm will it do to my walk with God if I practice it?? Will it cause my light to grow dim? Will it cause God not to hear my prayers? Will it bring a rebuke in the day of judgement? Or could it possibily bring a "well done thou good and fathful servant"? What are the dangers of dressing and conducting ones self in a holy manner??
It seems that Christians all have different standards in at least some areas. Whatever standards we live by however should be not to be acceptable to ourselves or to others so much as to be acceptable to God and for furthering our relationship to a holy God. The Scriptures clearly indicates that believers are to pursue holiness, which involves moral uprightness. Peter urged the church to holiness, quoting God's own command, "Be holy, for I am holy" (I Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 20:7). Paul urged the Corinthians to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1). We were chosen to be holy (Ephesians 1:4). The author of Hebrews sternly warned his Jewish audience that holiness is an essential requirement for those who wish to see God (Hebrews 12:14). We are not to love the world: the lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-16). Holiness not only concerns our outward actions, but also affects our spirit (II Corinthians 7:1), mind (Romans 12:1-2), and thoughts (Philippians 4:8-9). The goal of the Christian life is to be transformed into the image of Christ (II Corinthians 3:18), into His likeness (Romans 8:29), to the measure of the stature of Christ's fullness (Ephesians 4:13), to put on the new man created in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24), and be partakers of God's holiness (Hebrews 12:10). Sanctification is the process of restoring of the image of God in man (Colossians 3:10).
That I put in bold letters seems to cover just about everything that could be outward and inward in a persons life. Obviously we are to be a seperate people in our hearts, actions , and countenance. Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
I'm asking if by being a peculiar people, if one could take that to mean that we should be easy to pick out by our words, actions, & dress. By being a "peculiar" people it seems to me that we should be easy to be spotted, by our zealousness of good works . . . .because we have been redeemed.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
[14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
[16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. [17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear
Edited to bold.
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
Holiness
