How can Ezekiel 9:6 guide us in maintaining holiness within the church? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 9:6 “Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children, but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. (Ezekiel 9:6) Lesson 1: Holiness Begins with God’s People • God’s first command is to “begin at My sanctuary,” underscoring that His own house must be pure before the wider nation can be addressed. • 1 Peter 4:17 affirms this order: “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” • In practice, the church must regularly evaluate teaching, worship, and lifestyles against Scripture, ensuring that Christ’s body reflects His character. Lesson 2: The Weight of Spiritual Leadership • Judgment starts “with the elders who were in front of the temple.” Leaders set the spiritual tone. • James 3:1 warns that teachers “will incur a stricter judgment.” • Churches protect holiness by holding pastors, elders, and ministry heads accountable to clear biblical standards (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Lesson 3: The Mark of the Righteous • Those spared bear a divine mark, showing God distinguishes the faithful (Ezekiel 9:4; cf. Revelation 7:3). • Today that “mark” is seen in regenerated hearts and Spirit-filled lives (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Members should be encouraged to cultivate visible fruit—love, purity, obedience—so holiness is recognizable, not theoretical. Lesson 4: Practicing Loving Discipline • The severe language of Ezekiel 9:6 highlights sin’s seriousness; it also legitimizes corrective action within God’s people. • 1 Corinthians 5:6-7: “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough. Get rid of the old leaven…” • Healthy discipline is: – Scripturally grounded (Matthew 18:15-17) – Relational, aiming at restoration (Galatians 6:1) – Consistent, not selective or political Lesson 5: Pursuing Corporate Sanctification • Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” • Ephesians 5:27 reminds us Christ seeks a church “without spot or wrinkle…holy and blameless.” • Sanctification is a shared journey; every believer contributes to congregational purity through confession, mutual encouragement, and humble service. Practical Steps for the Local Church • Schedule regular teaching on holiness, repentance, and grace. • Establish clear membership commitments outlining biblical conduct. • Foster transparent small groups where sin can be confessed safely. • Implement a loving, orderly discipline process aligned with Scripture. • Celebrate testimonies of transformation, reinforcing that holiness is attainable by God’s power. Following Ezekiel 9:6, the church maintains holiness when it starts with itself, honors godly leadership, discerns genuine faith, administers discipline biblically, and pursues sanctification together—thereby becoming the pure, vibrant temple God intended. |
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