Thursday 17 May 2012

How Can I Become Holy?


Ask Dr. Stanley: How Can I Become Holy?

Q: “I’ve tried to be holy by doing things I thought were good, like reading my Bible and praying. But then I heard you say that God does the work to make us holy.
I wanted to cry because my efforts never seem enough. I’m confused about my responsibility in this relationship.”

A: First of all, you’re to be commended for your efforts. The truth is, they reflect a sincere desire to seek God, and no doubt about it, that pleases Him already. I would, however, like to ask you a question that may be helpful: What else motivates these actions? Is it to measure up for the Father’s acceptance, or do you think that by working hard at those things you’ll remain saved?

If so, you wouldn’t be the first to live under that burden, but thankfully, it’s not one you or any of God’s children have to carry. Salvation doesn’t depend on being perfect one moment to the next, or on completing a checklist of good works. We are saved once and for all by faith in Jesus Christ and the awesome work that He accomplished. According to 1 John 1:7, the blood that He shed on the cross continually cleanses us from all sin.
This doesn’t excuse sin. On the contrary, it frees us from the fear of condemnation and positions us to live godly lives from the right perspective. It means that when we do fail, there is freedom to turn around and continue in the proper direction, through quick confession and repentance. And that’s the part God is truly interested in. He cares about your heart and the growth of your relationship with Him. But it’s not His will for you to live in constant strife or the fear of never “measuring up.”

So be encouraged. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, but He also reminds us of the forgiveness that’s always available. And because of God’s great love, we don’t have to pry acceptance from His hand; we can just thank Him for it, assured that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

For more questions and answers, tune in to In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley each week (check local listings)—or learn more online.

gotquestions  http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/ask_dr_stanley_how_can_i_become_holy

No comments:

Post a Comment