More Holiness Give Me

Holy seems like a simple word, but it contains profound meaning. Holiness is the attribute of being holy, so we say that one who is holy possesses holiness. What is mainly implied by holiness is the idea of being set apart, or sanctified, for a special purpose. That purpose is righteousness, obtaining it, and living accordingly.

"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do: for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:15-16. "Make every effort to . . . be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14. "He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace." 2 Tim. 1:9. So we are called to holiness and without it we will not see the Lord, i.e. we will not be saved. Importantly, it is not through any of our doings, but through the purpose and grace of God that we will be able to achieve holiness.

For our purposes, we relate holiness to righteousness. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Cor. 5:21. "not having a righteousness of my own . . . but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Phil. 3:9 "Filled with the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Phil. 1:11.

As we strive to be holy, we strive to be righteous at the same time and in the same way. But it is not something we are capable of achieving. Our holiness, and our righteousness is of no avail, in fact is non-existent. We are physical and carnally driven. But God, through His mercy and grace grants us to partake of the righteousness of Christ.

Much more could and probably should be said about this topic. Maybe that will appear in another blog later. External factors have cut my time short for this week. I'm going to close with this beautifully worded song that expresses so well what any Christian desirous of being holy and righteous should be striving for. Don’t just read it, meditate on what’s being said.

"More Holiness Give Me"

by Phillip Bliss

More holiness give me,

more strivings within,

More patience in suffering,

more sorrow for sin,

More faith in my Savior,

more sense of His care,

More joy in His service,

more purpose in prayer.

More gratitude give me,

more trust in the Lord,

More pride in His glory,

more hope in His word,

More tears for His sorrows,

more pain at His grief,

More meekness in trial,

more praise for relief.

More purity give me,

more strength to o'ercome,

More freedom from earth-stains,

more longing for home.

More fit for the kingdom,

more useful I'd be,

More blessed and holy -

more Savior, like thee.