HOLY AND HOLINESS by William Ings

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 9, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 23.

HOLY AND HOLINESS.

By William Ings

BY ELDER WM. INGS.

THE words "holy" and "holiness" are terms having a vital signification. But few realize their import. Too, they are used in a reproachful manner. Ignorance as to their real meaning has undoubtedly led some to make a wrong use of them, and their true significance has not been seen to that extent which their character demands.

It is the work of the enemy to so pervert the word of God that its real force may not be understood, and there are agencies ever ready to coöperate with the deceiver in bringing reproach on sacred things.

The common use of the words "holy" and "holiness," used so often in such an irreverent manner by those having no true knowledge of their import, has done much in bringing them into contempt. Because of this their use is often evaded by those whose lives are more in harmony with the meaning than those professing great attainment in holiness.

There is a true holiness, and there is that which is spurious. One is from God, the other from beneath; one is light, the other is darkness; one leads to truth, the other to error; one leads to refinement and reverence, the other to coarseness and irreverence,—each reflecting the image of its Author. They cannot blend together; there is no sympathy between them. They are in spirit and character distinctively opposite; yet the counterfeit is frequently outwardly so like the genuine that it will require the greatest carefulness and spiritual discernment to detect the difference.

As the subject of holiness is being agitated by the adherents of both true and false, it is well to know what the word means.

Webster says to make "holy" is "to set apart to the service of God, hallowed, sacred, acceptable to God, hence free from sinful affections; pure; irreproachable; guiltless; freedom from sin."

True holiness is not a natural product, neither is it developed by any natural cause. It is wrought by a higher power than man; it is the converting power of God that accomplishes the work. "Ye must be born again," are the words of the great Teacher. The mind is transformed, and has passed from a spiritual death to a spiritual life. The life lost through Adam’s transgression is regained through Christ. It is Christ formed within. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17. The sins have been repented of; and the filthy garments of iniquity are exchanged for Christ’s robe of righteousness. Self is dead. The heart of stone has been made flesh. The unconsecrated heart has yielded to the demands of the Holy Spirit, and is prepared for the indwelling of Christ. As long as Christ

is retained in the heart by faith, just so long righteousness will be revealed in the life. Thus the mind is brought in harmony with the law of God, and the law is righteousness, and the law is the truth. Ps. 119:142, 176. The law of God is inwrought through Christ into the holy character built upon him. Only a renewed heart is susceptible to the law. Paul says, "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:7.

The objectors to the law have not attained, and cannot, to true holiness. They do not live a loyal life. The law which is "holy" condemns them. "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. 7:21. James says: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty [the law of God], and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:22, 25.

It is principle that is necessary to true holiness; to do right because it is right should be the motive of all. Principles underlie true conversion, which is in keeping with the law. In the converted man "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phil. 2:13. If the Lord takes possession of the heart he will not create a rebellion against himself; for he says, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; . . . and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Eze. 36:26, 27. Thus man is made "partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

That which was lost by Adam’s transgression is now regained through Christ. It is Christ in the heart, and his presence makes holy. A person in possession of true holiness will not boast of these attainments, for it is not his own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ. Humility is the stronghold of the Christian; it is that which retains the presence of God. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15.

All are invited to attain to this perfection. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," are the words of Christ. Matt. 5:48. The same thought is expressed in another scripture, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15, 16.

The wise man was admonished to attain to this perfection. "And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments." 1 Kings 9:4.

The same counsel was given to Abram: "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect." Gen. 17:1.

It is said of Zacharias and Elizabeth, "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." Luke 1:6. Noah was a righteous man, and his life and character have been passed down through the ages as an example of perfection. St. Paul said "that he lived in all good conscience before God."

Enoch "walked with God." Many testimonies might be adduced showing that it is possible to attain to a perfect character, that man can be as holy in his sphere as God is holy in his sphere. This is not acquired by ignoring the commandments of God; for our righteousness is in keeping them, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10.

There is a standard given by which to detect all these things: "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20.