I was thinking about what God told us in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about the end-time social state of the world:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
I found myself pondering this...what is the power of godliness? It seemed to occur to me in an instant that the power of godliness is holiness. Looking at Romans 1: 3-4, I became more convinced that this contained specific truth:
...concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
To be godly refers to taking on the nature of God. Sons of God have His nature. Jesus Christ the Son of God, coming into the earth as a man, was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness.
There are 'good' people, striving to be caring, decent, socially contributing and helpful to humanity. But there is no one holy apart from God. Holiness is more than an intention or penchant for doing 'good' things. It is the set apart, separated, consecrated manner of righteous inner and outer life that no one can possibly attain to without an ever-deepening relationship with God, who Himself sanctifies people unto Himself. It is marked by new, pure desires and the fear of God. It makes a person obedient, from the heart, to God's word. A holy man is a new man created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. A holy man will do what a 'good' man will not, and cannot.
There are 'good' people, striving to be caring, decent, socially contributing and helpful to humanity. But there is no one holy apart from God. Holiness is more than an intention or penchant for doing 'good' things. It is the set apart, separated, consecrated manner of righteous inner and outer life that no one can possibly attain to without an ever-deepening relationship with God, who Himself sanctifies people unto Himself. It is marked by new, pure desires and the fear of God. It makes a person obedient, from the heart, to God's word. A holy man is a new man created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. A holy man will do what a 'good' man will not, and cannot.
So, in today's world, we do see just what God spoke of through the Apostle Paul. There are lots of people professing Christianity and goodness, and even Jesus' name, yet, the Spirit of holiness does not inhabit their lives. They are not sons of God. To the discerning, some of these people will be recognized by their fruit in this world. I believe there are others who will slip by unnoticed and be exposed, even to themselves, at the judgment seat of Christ.
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