In the parable of the emperor’s new clothes, the emperor thought he was wearing clothing that fit his position as the supreme ruler. Unfortunately, he was deluded. He was not wearing royal raiment; indeed, he was not attired in anything. Job, on the other hand, did not suffer such delusions. The man whom Yahweh affirmed … Continue reading
The exhortation to personal holiness is central in Christian teaching. In his first letter, Peter urges us to “be holy in all your conduct,” echoing God’s own holiness. When we say that God is holy, we mean that God has infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth … for us. Indeed, in Isaiah alone, Yahweh is labeled … Continue reading
Holy, Holy, Holy is Yahweh, warrior deity; the fullness of the earth is his glory. Isaiah 6:3 Faithful God, there is no one like you. You alone have infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth! One day, everyone will realize and celebrate the glorious way you have displayed this worth for us. Today, I rejoice as I … Continue reading
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Contrary to modern American culture, which says, “What I do defines who I am,” Peter … Continue reading
God has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David his servant … to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him fearlessly, always living before him in a way that is holy and right. Luke 1:69–75 Before the Son of God took … Continue reading
As the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. … The tribes of the earth will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. … As for that day and hour, no … Continue reading
Since the earth will be destroyed, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness as you look for and hasten the coming of the day of God … which, according to his promise, will produce new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells? 2 Peter 3:11–13 It’s hard … Continue reading
Present the members of your bodies as slaves to righteousness for the purpose of holiness … and its outcome, eternal life. Romans 6:19–22 One way to paraphrase this wonderful promise is: If we do what accords with God’s design for people, we will become truly valuable to the lives we touch, which will yield the … Continue reading
May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for fellow Christians, and for all others … so that your hearts might be established unblameable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 When Jesus comes with all his holy … Continue reading
As I thought about a theme for this year’s Thanksgiving sonnet-prayer, I was struck by the gratitude Paul felt and expressed for being able to contribute to the growth of the saints after they came to Christ. This gratitude appears in three of his letters, one from early in his ministry and two from later. … Continue reading