WE ARE CALLED TO BE HOLY

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”  (1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV)

Although our God is caring and compassionate, holiness cannot tolerate wrongdoing and evil. They simply cannot coexist. God’s indignation at evil is consuming and complete.

God’s anger with us is assuaged in Christ Jesus, yet we still are called to be holy because God is holy.

Is there anything in your life, past or present, that cannot dwell alongside God’s holiness? Is there anything for which you need to ask forgiveness?

As an act of confession, list your wrongdoings. Confess them to the Lord who “protects those who take refuge in Him” (Nahum 1:7).  Roll up that piece of paper, and throw it away or burn it. Experience the joy that comes from letting God cleanse you from all your sin.  

-- From “The Meeting God Bible (NRSV): Growing in Intimacy with God Through Scripture” 

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A FREE LUNCH?

Clichés are a problem. Take this one, for instance: "There is no such thing as a free lunch." This sentiment is heard frequently, particularly at election time when politicians promise the earth without elaborating the cost. But it is not true that nobody gets a free lunch. Clearly some fortunate people do. But it is also true that somebody somewhere picks up the tab. In the interest of accuracy, we should really say, "While some people get a free lunch, somebody has paid for it."…

"How does a person get right with God?" A commonly heard answer to this is, "By doing enough good to outweigh the bad he's done." Should we then respond, "But the Bible says, 'The free gift of God is eternal life'" (Romans 6:23), the answer will not infrequently be, "There's no such thing as a free lunch!" Many people unfortunately base their theology on this cliché.

…To us -- salvation is free. But is there such a thing as free salvation? Certainly, provided we understand that Someone has paid the price. Christ did that. "When He was hung on the cross, He took upon Himself the curse for our wrongdoing" (Galatians 3:13). So we enjoy the benefits of salvation freely, by faith (3:14). Some people enjoy a free lunch because someone else paid. And heaven will be full of people who enjoy a free salvation because Jesus paid! And what a price.

-- Stuart Briscoe in “Daily Study Bible for Men” 

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