And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I detested them.
Subject: Sanctification
There is much talk about what a believer in the Old Testament was "required" to do under Law and what a believer in the New Testament is "supposed" to do under Grace. The above passage tells us that "one" reason for O.T. obedience was so that we would look separate from the world and more in the image of our Creator and Savior. Note how the N.T. writers bring this same thought into the reason we are to live separate lives under Grace, just like under Law.
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV Strong's)
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Philippians 3:17-21 (ESV Strong's)
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Weather Law or Grace, God wants our sanctification. He wants us to be a reflection of Him in front of a lost and dying world. Holiness is not an option, it is a mission.
No comments:
Post a Comment