Holy and Blameless Before Him
The lack of a pursuit of holiness in the greater evangelical church is very concerning. It is becoming more and more prevalent in our society for pastors and their congregations toaffirm the LGBTQ+ agenda. I was speaking to one of our deacons who is visiting a large metropolitan city in America. In the city, five large mega churches have pride flags flying in front of their churches (not to mention how blatantly blasphemous it is that the rainbow is the symbol for the LGBTQ+ community).
The inability of these churches to expose sin without being unkind to the sinner is revealing. It exposes much of the professing church in America. Many of these churches are false churches led by the prince of the power of the air instead of churches part of the true bride of Christ, lead by the Prince of Peace.
The letter to the Ephesians reveals God’s goal for His bride.
“…that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
Ephesians 1:5
Admittedly this is the final aim of God’s choice of His bride. This holy position is assured by our positional holiness and guiltlessness in Christ Jesus.
Each member of the body is declared right with God through faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone (Romans 3:22-26). However, this positional holiness is accompanied by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13-14). God’s Spirit takes up residence in every believer and begins to transform our minds, hearts, and souls. Not only are we born again, but the Spirit begins to help us put to death the deeds of the body by faith in His transforming power and love (Romans 8:12).
God’s mighty power works within us to kill sin and walk in righteousness (Ephesians 1:19-20). The Great Artist begins to work in us to do good deeds that He has ordained for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). He dwells in us and we now have access to Him. Therefore, by His indwelling presence, he is building us into a HOLY temple of the Lord (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Ultimately, the reason why Jesus’ bride should demonstrate holiness is because the Trinity is working in His people to produce light in this world. Holiness by the bride is light in this wicked world. The mighty power of God produces love in His children who then respond in faith and walk in holiness and love (Ephesians 4-6).
So, when we see shepherds who affirm wickedness and churches that embrace evil, we must recognize these are wolves with goats as members. I know this is very strong language, but the Word exhorts us to avoid evil and even to expose darkness as Christ’s own.
But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:3–14
Father, we live in a sinful world surrounded by sinful people, and we are still very prone to act sinfully.
Please protect us.
We know we have access to You through Jesus Christ. We know You are Holy, and the Spirit indwells us by the riches of Your grace. We know the Lord Jesus is building His church and He is sovereign over our hearts. He can and will make us match our position in Christ. We know You are working to produce love and good deeds. We trust you to work. We believe, help our unbelief.
Help us to know Your love towards us that we will be motivated to walk in unity, holiness, love, light, and wisdom.
Father, please help us to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Help us to boldly come to you and petition for your help throughout the whole day. Give us boldness and courage to proclaim You in this world. Please save We pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus,
Amen!
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