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Holy Yet Called to Holiness: Resolving the Biblical Tension

  Holy Yet Called to Holiness: Resolving the Biblical Tension Scripture presents a fascinating and seemingly paradoxical truth: believers are described as already holy, yet simultaneously urged to pursue holiness. This duality raises profound theological and practical questions. Is holiness a status conferred, a process to be undertaken, or both? A careful biblical examination reveals a tension that is not contradictory, but complementary — one that reflects both identity and vocation, grace and obedience. 🔹 The Reality of Being Holy: Identity Through Christ Scripture affirms that believers are made holy by virtue of their union with Christ. This is not a gradual achievement, but a definitive transformation. Hebrews 10:10 — "We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." 1 Corinthians 1:2 — Paul addresses the church as those “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 - Paul writes that Jesus i...

Hated Without Cause: The Rejection of Christ and His Followers

Hated Without Cause: The Rejection of Christ and His Followers Jesus: Hated Without a Cause Think of what it means to be hated without cause. The rejection of Jesus was not due to wrongdoing or failure, and not just a fulfillment of prophecy as he stated in John 15:25, “But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” but also a reflection of the world’s hostility toward divine light and truth. Jesus said, in John 1518-25, the world hated him and they will hate us. If the world hates you, remember—it hated Him first. You don’t belong to the world anymore; you are chosen from the world and that’s why the world rejects you. Just as they persecuted him, they’ll do the same to you. They’ll oppose you because they don’t truly know God and the truth. Jesus spoke truth and performed miracles that revealed who he was, so they have no excuse. Their hatred toward him is also hatred toward the Father and fulfills what Scripture said: “They hated Me wi...

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus, his blood. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also...

Putting On the New Self

Putting On the New Self Theme: Spiritual Growth & Identity in Christ Key Scripture: “And to put on the new man, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” — Ephesians 4:24 (ESV) 🕊️ Day’s Reflection The Christian journey is not about becoming a better version of our old selves. It is about walking in The New Living Way , putting on the new man created in the likeness of God. Scripture calls us to put on the new man , and this call is not symbolic or abstract. It is a command grounded in spiritual truth and lived out in daily walking as Christ walked. 📜 Scripture for Meditation 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV) “To put off your old man, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new man, created after the likeness of...

The Consummation of All Things

The Consummation of All Things The exaltation of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, revealing his role in the redemptive plan of God toward mankind. Scripture testifies that God has placed Christ above all things, granting Him supreme authority in heaven and on earth. We see in scripture that the purpose of Christ being the head is to bring all things into a fullness or consummation of all in God the Father.  Christ Above All Paul writes, God raised Christ “ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come ” (Ephesians 1:21, NKJV). This exaltation is not symbolic—it is actual and cosmic in scope. The Father “ put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all ” (Ephesians 1:22–23). The purpose of Christ being head, Paul writes, is so we grow up into him. now, speaking trut...

True Widows: A Biblical Perspective

True Widows: A Biblical Perspective Throughout Scripture, God's compassion for widows is evident. He is portrayed as their defender, provider, and source of justice. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to care for widows, reflecting God's own heart for the vulnerable. However, in his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides a specific definition of a "true" widow, emphasizing the church's responsibility in supporting those who are genuinely in need. God's Compassion for Widows The Old Testament is rich with passages that reveal God's concern for widows. In Exodus 22:22, God commands, "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child." This verse underscores His protective nature, ensuring that widows are not mistreated or neglected. Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:18 declares, "He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is depicted as a just and loving prov...

Prioritizing God's Children in Service and Care

  Prioritizing God's Children in Service and Care The Bible teaches that believers should first care for fellow Christians before extending help to the broader world. This principle is rooted in the idea that the church is a family, and just as one would prioritize their household, believers are called to support their spiritual family first. Biblical Foundation for Helping God's Children First Galatians 6:10 – "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." This verse explicitly states that while doing good to all is important, there is a special priority given to fellow believers. 1 Timothy 5:8 – "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Paul emphasizes that caring for one's own family is a fundamental responsibility. This principle extends to the spiritual family—t...