So this question has been raised once or twice in the last few weeks, generally in response to my saying something about obedience to the law and authority and it's connection to holiness, many automatically infer legalism when we draw connections between obedience and holiness, but I think that comes from a misunderstanding. As simply as I can, here is what I see:
1. If you see obedience to the law as a means to holiness, you've been snared into legalism where everything hinges on what you do. Holiness becomes something you earn and therefore Christ's death is a mute issue.
2. If you see obedience to the law as a fruit of holiness, you've recognized the truth of the matter, where everything hinges on why you do what you do. Holiness is something you live out of and Christ's death is your source of freedom to actually live as God intended, therefore it means everything.
Expanded:
The law is not a means of holiness, but recognizing the holiness imparted upon you by your belief in the truth of Christ's love and sacrifice will compel obedience to proper authority/law.
Obedience is not means, obedience is part of the fruit.
Why do you obey?
I wrote this rather quickly, so I hope it makes sense...
9 comments:
I take it this is a stem from Bob's facebook note? Hope you don't mind my visit to your site. Things like this really interest me. I actually did a word study for Inductive Bible Study last semester on the word "sanctify" as found 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Here is the link to where I have published my work to Google Documents: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dc87mntf_1f457m6g9
The Greek word for "holiness" or "sanctify" is ἁγιάζω. Below I will include my summary statement from my study. But remember, this was a study on 1 Thess. 5:23 and relates specifically to that context. Don't be led to believe that this summary defines the entire semantic range of the word. We don't want to commit any word study fallacies here ;-)
Here's my summary, kinda lengthy (go to the link above for the whole study):
The word “sanctify” (ἁγιάζω) is used in a variety of ways. It has been used to mean “set apart” or “make holy” and “consecrated” or “made sacred.” It has also been used to mean “an act of devotion to God.” The majority of the uses of this word in the other writings by Paul seem to point to sanctification as an act of God. Man cannot work their way entirely to sanctification. The references emphasize that it is the work of the Holy Spirit and through Jesus Christ. This leads us to consider these elements in our own passage of 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Indeed, when we look at the verse we clearly see that God is the one to sanctify the Thessalonians “through and through.” Verse 24 emphasizes this point further by claiming that “he will do it” [God will sanctify]. I sense that the purpose of sanctification is to be pure, blameless, and without blemish for proper presentation to God at his coming. Sanctification points to becoming an acceptable offering to the Father. In this verse that element is evident where it says “be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus.” The verse also points to sanctifying as being an act of the spirit, soul, and body, as these are listed explicitly.
To conclude, the word “sanctify” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 most likely means an act of God, by the Holy Spirit and through the Son Jesus Christ, performed in the spirit, soul, and body of a human involving the consecration and holiness of that individual to be kept blameless and unblemished for the coming of the Lord, that he or she may be judged as acceptable and pleasing to God. From the most typical uses of the Greek word meaning “sanctify” in the writings of Paul, this seems to be an adequate conclusion on the meaning in 1 Thessalonians. Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and 1 Timothy all stress the involvement of God in sanctifying. Romans and 2 Timothy demonstrate more of the purpose of sanctifying that parallels that which is found in 1 Thessalonians of being made acceptable and useful to God. The blameless aspect is mentioned in other New Testament writings such as Hebrews and is clearly stated in 1 Thessalonians. These three primary elements generate a proper understanding of the word “sanctify” as used in 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
I look forward to your response. In Christ, Phil.
I'm confused what I'm responding to, Phil? You didn't ask a question that I can see.
ok...by "response" I mean "reaction" to my study and conclusions
...points of agreement ...points of disagreement ...dialogue on the concept of holiness ...questions ...affirmations ...essentially your thoughts on the word "holiness"/"sanctify".
And if you want questions, here they are...
I know you posted your initial thoughts, but I want to know more about your holiness concept with respect to my paper and thoughts. You told us the fruit of holiness is obedience...but what is holiness? Holiness seems to be more than obedience, agreed. But what is it beyond its fruit? What do you really think about holiness; how does it apply; who applies it; how can humans live up to God's standard which states that we are to "be perfect as our Father is perfect" and "be holy because He is holy"?? These are my questions. I know they are tough, but they are vitally important.
I don't have all the answers, but I am hoping that our dialogue could bring both of us closer to a correct understanding of what the Scriptures mean when they use this word so many times and demand it of believers so often.
Any insights into the above questions and thoughts from one biblical scholar at Bethel to one here at IWU? Thanks!
First reaction:
This is my second post regarding holiness and most of you are asking was addressed in the first posting, linked here:
http://glorysweight.blogspot.com/2008/11/re-holiness.html
It was my initial thoughts on the concept of holiness as a thing, it's identity, where this one is more a expounding on the difference of legalism and obedience as response. Now... your findings represent thorough research and I can't disagree with scripture. I see nothing worth disagreeing with either, so as far as that goes, I hope you received a good grade for your efforts and struggles. I think what your findings and the root of my thoughts reflect as the core of this issue is this: holiness/sanctification are passive in the nature of our position. We seek HIM who sanctifies and makes holy. We remain IN HIM who is holy, to be holy. If holiness were attainable by our desire, effort, or pursuit, then Christ's death is worthless. This is the essence of Ephesians 2, which Paul echoes in his confession of Philippians 3.
sorry i missed the first post. you did respond to a lot there. thanks for pointing me to it.
I like the emphasis you put on holiness being something that God does in us or upon other things. The Bible is holy because God makes it holy. The Church is holy because God makes it holy. We are holy because God makes us holy. This is all an action of God.
The point I would disagree on is the way you presented it by saying...there is no holy book, person, whatever. I do not think it is wrong to say "One holy catholic (universal) Church" or "let us read from the Holy Bible." I think we still can and ought to say that a person or object is a holy person or object. I get the point that they all derive holiness from God, but I think that in that they take on a new identity. Therefore, in that new identity, the Bible is no longer just a book but a Holy Book. And Christians are no longer simply people, but a Holy People. God's action is still implied, and the new identity of holiness is stressed.
I present things for the purpose of inciting thought. It seems you disagree less than you say, though, haha. The point is that there is nothing holy separate from THE HOLY ONE, and I believe you understand that, though our presentations may differ in style. :D
Fair enough ;-)
I understand that all things holy derive their holiness from God, as you do. We only differ in presentation style and emphasis, I suppose. And yes--You certainly incite thought! haha.
Thanks for allowing my visit. Though we have had stark disagreement in other forums, I am glad to see some points of commonality here!
You're always welcom here, Phil. There are strong opinions out there, but none strong enough to ever warrant rudeness or disrespect. I hope you have not felt such from me. Do you yourself blog or strictly comment?
Greg, I have no remembrance of you being rude or disrespectful. I try to avoid the disrespect too. I like to play tough sometimes ;-) but I try to keep it fair and clean.
I blog on theology, philosophy, and Bible at
coramveritas2.blogspot.com
Not many readers, but you are welcome to join the few of us there anytime.
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