Thrice-Fold Holiness

"...[W]ithout [holiness] no man shall see the Lord..." Hebrews 12:14b


In past studies the thrice-fold life of the believer has been looked into. Writer and reader have thought upon 3-deep sin, 3-deep repentance, and 3-deep conversion. On this post, 3-deep holiness will be considered.

As already discussed, everything spiritual that happens to us is thrice-fold. Holiness is no different. In fact, not only is holiness 3-deep but it has 3 degrees. In other words, the believer's holiness must affect him in his intellect, affections, and actions. Is this true of you?
What is holiness? The answer depends on who you ask...unfortunately. This writer will define holiness thus; holiness is a God-imposed separation from the world, and it is God's demand for moral and spiritual purity. Holiness, in Scripture, is often likened to light and to cleanliness.
If the above definition is accurate... then God demands for your intellect, affections, and actions to be morally and spiritually pure. Further more, God demands that your intellect, affections, and actions be un-worldly. That is to say, "be not conformed to this [present and evil] world..."
You, my reader, may be outwardly holy, but what about inwardly? What do you enjoy thinking about? What do you love? God demands that you be holy in your whole person. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." That last verse is quoted by St. Peter, but it was first said by God Himself in Leviticus 20:7. It is interesting and convicting to read that chapter and see what God calls holy.

It was stated above that holiness is 3-deep as well as having 3 degrees. The believer is positionally holy, principally holy, and practically holy. Believers are positionally holy because God chose them "In Christ". Believers are principally holy because their judgement of right and wrong has been corrected. Believers are practically holy because their actions have changed. Can this be said of you? Do you understand your exalted position or placement "in Him"? Have your judgements changed? That is to say, "do you recognize sin for what it is"? Can you say before being converted that X was okay, but now X is plainly wrong? That is principally holy. Now practical holiness is simply living and acting out your inward holiness.
How does the above apply to you?

Without faith one cannot please God and without holiness one cannot see God.


Buried in Christ,
St. Loder