Holiness is only a choice when we choose to be holy. BUT holiness by God's definition is a command, for to be able to stand in God's presence holiness is required.
The sinful nature is inherent within us. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil had its fruit eaten when Adam and Eve tasted it way back when. Because all life came through Adam and Eve, so too does all death. For by their actions, disobeying God, sin came into the world. But through Christ's actions, becoming flesh, dying on the cross, and rising from the dead, sin was overcome and death was conquered.
No more does sin have to rule a person's life, nor our choices. Now we can choose to believe that Jesus Christ Is Lord, or remain in a sinful nature and refuse to believe that Jesus Christ Is Lord. Choice determines destination.
Though we have the knowledge of good in us, it is not enough to be good or do good things. No one is good enough to enter into heaven on their terms. Acts of kindness, pay-it-forwards, and the golden rule are done believing that this will make us look good in God's eyes. Even people with bad intentions can do these things; it does not make them good.
Only Jesus Christ can bring us into God's presence. Only God, through The Holy Spirit, can see a person's heart and reveal what lies therein. Only The HOLY Spirit can guide a person into holiness, transforming us from what we think will make God happy into knowing how to please God.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will judge every deed, along with every secret, whether good or evil.
O Lord, make me holy. Whatever it takes make me pure in heart, clothe me with The Righteousness of Your Holy Word, cleanse my mind and renew my spirit. I want to spend eternity with You, O Lord, starting now. In Jesus' Name, The Name Which Is Above All Names, Amen.
The sinful nature is inherent within us. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil had its fruit eaten when Adam and Eve tasted it way back when. Because all life came through Adam and Eve, so too does all death. For by their actions, disobeying God, sin came into the world. But through Christ's actions, becoming flesh, dying on the cross, and rising from the dead, sin was overcome and death was conquered.
No more does sin have to rule a person's life, nor our choices. Now we can choose to believe that Jesus Christ Is Lord, or remain in a sinful nature and refuse to believe that Jesus Christ Is Lord. Choice determines destination.
Though we have the knowledge of good in us, it is not enough to be good or do good things. No one is good enough to enter into heaven on their terms. Acts of kindness, pay-it-forwards, and the golden rule are done believing that this will make us look good in God's eyes. Even people with bad intentions can do these things; it does not make them good.
Only Jesus Christ can bring us into God's presence. Only God, through The Holy Spirit, can see a person's heart and reveal what lies therein. Only The HOLY Spirit can guide a person into holiness, transforming us from what we think will make God happy into knowing how to please God.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will judge every deed, along with every secret, whether good or evil.
O Lord, make me holy. Whatever it takes make me pure in heart, clothe me with The Righteousness of Your Holy Word, cleanse my mind and renew my spirit. I want to spend eternity with You, O Lord, starting now. In Jesus' Name, The Name Which Is Above All Names, Amen.