Topical Encyclopedia Communion with God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Creator and His creation. This sacred fellowship is not merely a privilege but a profound necessity for believers, as it reflects the ultimate purpose of human existence: to know, love, and glorify God. However, Scripture consistently underscores that holiness is essential for this communion to be genuine and sustained.Biblical Foundation The call to holiness is rooted in the very nature of God. Leviticus 11:44 declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This divine command establishes holiness as a prerequisite for approaching God. The holiness of God is not merely an attribute but the essence of His being, and thus, those who seek communion with Him must reflect His holiness. Separation from Sin Holiness involves a separation from sin and a dedication to God. In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 , Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." This passage highlights the necessity of moral and spiritual purity as a condition for divine fellowship. The Role of Jesus Christ The New Testament reveals that holiness is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Christ's atoning sacrifice not only reconciles humanity to God but also imparts the holiness required for communion with Him. Believers are called to live out this holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's pursuit of holiness. Romans 8:9 affirms, "You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." The indwelling Spirit sanctifies and transforms believers, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. This transformation is essential for maintaining a vibrant and authentic relationship with God. Practical Implications Holiness in the believer's life manifests through obedience to God's commandments, love for others, and a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. James 4:8 encourages, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This call to purity underscores the active role believers must take in pursuing holiness. The Promise of Communion The promise of communion with God is both a present reality and a future hope. Revelation 21:3 offers a glimpse of this ultimate fellowship: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This eschatological vision assures believers that their pursuit of holiness will culminate in eternal communion with God. In summary, holiness is not an optional aspect of the Christian life but an essential condition for communion with God. Through the sanctifying work of Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of their Creator, thereby experiencing the fullness of fellowship with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 6:14-16Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Note C. The Holiness of God. How to Dwell in the Fire of God The Doctrine of God The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ... Walking in the Light The Essential Elements of Christian Experience. Enoch, the Deathless The Message and Its Practical Results A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ... Andover Orthodox Creed. Resources Is it acceptable to have communion outside of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is there so much disagreement about holy communion? | GotQuestions.org What does "communion of the saints" mean in the ancient creeds? | GotQuestions.org Communion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Communion of Saints in Exhortation Communion of Saints in Holy Conversation Communion of Saints in Mutual Comfort and Edification Communion of Saints in Mutual Sympathy and Kindness Communion of Saints in Prayer for Each Other Communion of Saints in Public and Social Worship Communion of Saints in the Lord's Supper Communion of Saints is With: Each Other Communion of Saints is With: God Communion of Saints is With: Saints in Heaven Communion of Saints: According to the Prayer of Christ Communion of Saints: Christ is Present In Communion of Saints: Delight of Communion of Saints: Exhortation To Communion of Saints: God Marks, With his Approval Communion of Saints: Opposed to Communion With the Wicked Communion of Saints: The Church Communion of the Lord's Supper is the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Communion of the Lord's Supper was Continually Partaken of, by the Church Communion of the Lord's Supper: Both Bread and Wine are Necessary to be Received In Communion of the Lord's Supper: Instituted Communion of the Lord's Supper: Newness of Heart and Life Necessary to the Worthy Partaking Communion of the Lord's Supper: Object of Communion of the Lord's Supper: Partakers of, be Wholly Separate to God Communion of the Lord's Supper: Prefigured Communion of the Lord's Supper: Self-Examination Commanded Before Partaking of Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of are Guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of are Visited With Judgments Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of Discern not the Lord's Body Communion With God is Communion With the Father Communion With God is Communion With the Holy Spirit Communion With God is Communion With the Son Communion With God: Holiness Essential To Communion With God: Promised to the Obedient Communion With God: Reconciliation Must Precede Communion With God: Saints: Desire Communion With God: Saints: Have, in Meditation Communion With God: Saints: Have, in Prayer Communion With God: Saints: Have, in the Lord's Supper Communion With God: Saints: should Always Enjoy Related Terms |
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