What steps can we take to live in holiness as God is holy? Ezekiel 28:25—A Picture of Holiness Restored “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they have been scattered, I will show Myself holy in them in the sight of the nations. Then they will dwell in their own land that I gave to My servant Jacob.’ ” • God personally gathers His people. • His holiness is displayed through them before a watching world. • They receive a secure place to dwell—life ordered under His rule. Why Holiness Matters • God’s own character sets the standard: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44) • Holiness brings fellowship: “Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) • A holy life makes God’s glory visible to others (Matthew 5:16). Steps Toward Holiness 1. Embrace the Gathering Grace of God – Holiness begins with being brought near through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:13). – Respond in faith, trusting His work to make you His own. 2. Separate from Sin – “Come out from among them and be separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) – Daily repent of thoughts, words, habits that contradict His nature. 3. Walk in Obedience – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Obedience is practical holiness—choices aligned with Scripture. 4. Renew the Mind – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) – Fill your thinking with God’s Word; refuse patterns that squeeze you into the world’s mold. 5. Guard Bodily Purity – “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) – Honor God with integrity in private and public behavior. 6. Cultivate Reverent Worship – “Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) – Corporate and personal worship shape hearts to love what He loves. 7. Live as Light Among the Nations – “Shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15) – Holiness has an outward focus: demonstrating God’s character so others may know Him. Living Securely in Promise Ezekiel’s prophecy ends with safety in the land (v. 26). Holiness and security walk together: as we submit to God’s rule, we experience the peace of belonging that nothing else can provide. Encouragement for Today The God who gathers and sanctifies His people in Ezekiel still gathers and sanctifies today. Lean on His grace, take these steps in dependence on His Spirit, and watch His holiness shine through your life. |
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