The gift of grace, which we receive at salvation washes away all of our
sins (Ephesians 2:8). We did not earn salvation and we cannot improve upon it (Galatians
3:1-3). With salvation there is no condemnation for anything we ever think, say or do (Romans
8:1-2).
So why should we strive for holiness and perfection when a place in
heaven is already guaranteed to us? Grace does not give us permission to
continue sinning. Although grace abounds in our soul, that is no reason for sin
to flourish (Romans 6:1-2).
The Bible holds up a standard of holiness and perfection for every
Believer who is washed in the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:15; Revelation
7:14). We sell our self short by believing that we cannot live up to this
Biblical standard.
The law of the Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death that used to be the norm for our life (Romans 8:2). This freedom allows us to live in victory over sin every single day, and to live a purified life.
Living in perfection is possible, because Christ lives within us and he
is perfect (Matthew 5:48). It is also possible if we choose to live by the
Spirit every moment of the day. Enoch walked with God and God took Him (Genesis
5:24; Hebrews 11:5). I want to follow Enoch’s example.
We are crucified with Christ. Our fleshly desires are dead, and He is
living within us (Galatians 2:20). If we live by the Spirit, we will never
fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). God promises to rescue His
children from any temptation, which is greater than we can bear.
His grace gives us a way of escape from them (1 Corinthians 10:13). We
simply need to look for His help. Living a life of holiness is our
tribute to Christ for the sacrifice He paid by becoming a man and dying on the
cross in our place.
Prayer:
Father God, we give You the honor due to Your name by following in Jesus'
footsteps of sinless perfection (2 Corinthians 7:1). We persevere in holy
living until we come to the place of complete maturity in our spirit and soul
(James 1:4). By Your abounding grace, it is possible to live one minute without
sinning.
If one minute, then we can go five minutes. If five minutes, then we can
live one hour without sinning. If one hour, then we can live one whole day for
the glory of God. If one day, then one lifetime can be lived in the perfection
of Jesus Christ, who lives His life in and through us. Help us, Father God, to
dare to get out of Your way.
Thought for the Day:
A life of sinless perfection is achieved…one moment at a time.
