Made to be Holy by the Spirit of Grace
Not everyone has saving faith (Jn 10:26; Rom 9:22; 2 Thess 3:2). In fact, the Bible uses the term “remnant” to describe those who have received such a faith (Rom 9:27; 11:5; 2 Pet 1:1; Jude 3). The state of the world is wickedness, and it lies in the power of the evil one (1 Jn 5:19), who is called “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), whose dominion includes principalities and powers, that is, world rulers over darkness (Acts 26:18; Eph 6:12).
There are two groups of people, living in two different realms in the world. One group is blessed by God, and the other is cursed. All people are conceived in the natural state of sin (Ps 51:5), all being sons of Adam (1 Cor 15:22a). Each person possesses a sin nature at conception (Eph 2:1–3). All practice sin (Rom 3:23; 5:12). Thus, people dwell in delusional darkness, which is a spiritual ignorance of reality. They are deceived/blinded by our adversary, the devil (2 Cor 4:4). Sinners love the darkness and doing evil deeds (Jn 3:19).
There is enough light from God (General Revelation) for people to acknowledge something is wrong with the world. In his mind, therefore, the natural man configures his own plan for self-improvement. He wants to be and to have something more. He decides, in his will, to work to improve his lot in life. Man’s self-improvement schemes are his religion, whether that be a better life of weight loss, or financial gain, possessions, education, travel, career, etc.
Religion often comes with the notions of obedience, sacrifice, and reform to attain a higher state of being. Fear of condemnation and punishment also plays a central role in motivating the sensitive religionist. Religion is hard work, so most people only embrace it for a time, before reverting back to sinful indulgence. Then, they try again.
The holy life cannot be attained by the will of man, nor the works of man (Is 64:6; Jn 1:12–13). Holiness is entirely by the will of God (Jas 1:18; 1 Thess 4:3), and it is entirely worked by God (Is 26:12; Phil 2:13), in those chosen vessels of mercy (Rom 9:23), elected unto salvation (Eph 1:4–5). Therefore, the prerequisite to holiness is union with Christ (Gal 2:20; Col 1:27; 2:13; 1 Jn 4:13). The life of the Holy One must flow into the object of His mercy (Mt 3:11; Acts 2:38; 10:45; Rom 5:5; 9:23).
Union with Christ is eternal through predestined election; but it is manifest in time, at the baptism by the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11; Rom 6:3–4; Gal 3:27). This baptism now saves the regenerated soul (Jn 3:1–8; Eph 2:5; Col 2:13; 1 Pet 3:21). This is the point in time where one becomes a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), demonstrating newness of life (Rom 6:4). The mind, heart, nature, and will of the sinner become new (Jn 6:63; 10:10). This new, spiritual state is contrasted by fallen Adam versus impeccable Jesus Christ (Rom 5:12–21). In Adam, we all die, and in Christ, Christians all live (1 Cor 15:22).
Sin nature resides in the flesh that is ever at war with the Spirit of God (Gal 5:17). Those in the flesh are haters of God (Rom 1:30). The will of the flesh is only sin (Gen 6:5). Even when there is a desire for self-improvement, it is an evil desire because it has no regard for God or Christ (Jn 15:5; Eph 2:12). The flesh wishes to glory in its own success (1 Cor 1:29). The flesh boasts of its progress. The flesh cannot see the kingdom of God, and no can one enter the kingdom of God without a work of God making him spiritual, first (Jn 3:1–8; 1 Cor 2:14–15; 1 Pet 1:3).
Christians are clothed with Christ (Rom 13:14). They put off the old man and his prideful, lusting, sin nature. In their new, spiritual state, with a new, spiritual nature, Christ reigns by grace (Rom 5:21). Grace, in contrast with sin, constrains the saint toward holy living (Eph 2:8–9; 1 Pet 1:15–16). This new life is abundant and eternal (Jn 10:10; 1 Jn 5:11). Christians put no confidence in their flesh because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:50).
Sin nature, in the flesh, produces an evil conscience that is encouraged to hate God, despite the weight of guilt it also produces. It says, “God’s wrath is against you, and for this reason, you should hate God.” Obedience to the law of sin means one continues in sin rather than repentance. Without God’s grace granted, there is no repentance, nor faith (Acts 5:31; 11:18; Phil 1:29). The slave of sin presses on at enmity with God (Jn 8:34; Rom 6:6, 16–20).
Without the indwelling Spirit (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11; 1 Cor 3:16; Gal 4:6; 2 Tim 1:14; Jas 4:5), there is no good thing in the fleshly, natural man. Without the grace of the indwelling Christ, there is no love constraining one to do anything holy (2 Cor 5:14). Mythical free will is no match for the omnipotent power of the Spirit, willing and working God’s good pleasure in the mind, heart, nature, and will of God’s people.
Sinful flesh warrants only one end…death (Rom 6:23). The flesh cannot be reformed, nor repaired. It must pass away (Rom 7:5). As long as Christians have this body of flesh, they remain subject to a measure of corruption. The flesh will war against the Spirit, until the flesh is dead. Adam could not return to the Garden of Eden for this very reason. His flesh could not be restored.
The flesh will always try to justify itself, however, especially by good works. In truth, no one has the power or ability to obey God (Rom 3:10–12; 8:7). The will, enslaved by one’s sin nature, will never desire God or godliness, despite its deviant claims. Still, man is fully responsible for his miserable state, and he is fully required to do what God demands. Man is an utter failure in this quest for holiness.
The moralist will surely boast in His good works, even telling of what he is going to do for Christ, but this is nothing but counterfeit holiness. Even his good works are filthy rags before our Holy God (Is 64:6). There is hope, however, because of the Gospel ministry of the Spirit. Where zealous morality and religion fail in man’s natural state, the life-giving Spirit is sent to God’s elect (Jn 6:63), to justify them, as a gift of His grace (Rom 3:24). The flesh is weak, but the Spirit is willing (Mt 26:41). He is also able to accomplish what concerns each saint (Ps 57:2; 138:8; Is 26:12; 2 Cor 9:8; Heb 7:25; 11:19).
Righteousness is imputed grace from God, who is making His chosen people to be holy, as He is holy (1 Pet 1:15-16). He causes us to walk by His Spirit (Gal 5:16, 25), who causes us to walk in obedience to His statutes (Ezek 36:27), even as He causes us to know His covenant of grace (Ps 25:14).
In conclusion, holy living is a matter of a new creature receiving a new life, with a new nature that causes new thoughts, new affections, and new decisions, manifesting the Holy Spirit’s presence and power, for one to walk in holiness. Holy living is all of God, by His grace, and for this reason, the Spirit produces great comfort in believers, for He has made us glad (Is 66:14).
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
May 28, 2022
