Thursday, June 2, 2016

Hill Climbers (Part 4) (Psa. 24:3)

Who May Ascend Into The Hill of The Lord?

THOSE WHO WILL TAKE SERIOUSLY A LIFESTYLE OF PRACTICAL HOLINESS MAY ASCEND INTO THE HILL OF THE LORD.

Let's distinguish between positional holiness and practical holiness.

Positional holiness has to do with justification, which is the “standing” you have with God because of what His Son, Jesus, did for you on the cross.  Positional holiness is provisional holiness. It is available and accessible, though not automatic. God does not force His holiness upon you. Grace, which is a byproduct of God's holiness, is available as a free gift that awaits your acceptance.

Practical holiness has to do with sanctification, which is the natural extension of and behavioral conformity to the demand of your position. Practical holiness is also known as progressive holiness. It is not enough to begin in right standing and assume that is the end. Holiness that was imputed must lead to holiness that is implemented. In other words, the lifestyle must reflect the claim.Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Jesus' hill climbers realize that Hebrews 12:14 is still incumbent and relative. Pursue . . . the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”

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