The Way of Holiness
A Jonathan Edwards Sermon Summary
The Book of Isaiah is sometimes called the fifth Gospel, due to its extensive coverage on Christ. Chapter 35 describes glorious prophecies regarding the way of holiness and the way that excludes the wicked and the unclean (v8). Heaven does not welcome the unholy (Revelation 21:27).
What is holiness?
Holiness leads one’s heart and life to conform to God and His will, including being just, excellent, and loving, and doing as He wills. Our life and words reflect our hearts. Our deeds reveal our faith. So, without deeds, there is no corresponding faith (James 1:26-27, 2:18-20).
Holiness involves conforming to Christ, the Father’s expressed image (John 1:18). Christ is holy. He demands us to follow Him (Matthew 11:29). Imitating Christ leads to holiness.
Holiness implies conforming to God’s laws and commands, such as those expressed in Psalm 119 and the Sermon on the Mount. These laws are written in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:31, 33; 2 Corinthians 3:3).
Holiness is important because our just God must punish sins (Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18). God cannot unite with the unholy, so the unholy cannot enjoy the love of God or the happiness of heaven. The unholy will not be admitted into heaven. If heaven were filled with the unclean, heaven would become another hell.
Only those born again can enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). Unless purified by the blood of Christ, our sins will not be forgiven and will remain with us. We need to be made new with new attributes, such as love. Without love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
How can we determine if we are living lives of holiness?
Meditate on God’s holiness. Do our souls conform to it? Do we find delight in the meditation? Do our souls agree with God’s words, which are written in our hearts? Do our souls love God’s commands?
Does our life resemble in any way the life of Christ? Are there any similarities between us and the holy people, such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul?
Holiness is a necessity. It makes our soul pure, divine, serene, delightful, bright, and excellent. Earnestly seek holiness.
Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkaSGwI8wVw
What is holiness?
Holiness leads one’s heart and life to conform to God and His will, including being just, excellent, and loving, and doing as He wills. Our life and words reflect our hearts. Our deeds reveal our faith. So, without deeds, there is no corresponding faith (James 1:26-27, 2:18-20).
Holiness involves conforming to Christ, the Father’s expressed image (John 1:18). Christ is holy. He demands us to follow Him (Matthew 11:29). Imitating Christ leads to holiness.
Holiness implies conforming to God’s laws and commands, such as those expressed in Psalm 119 and the Sermon on the Mount. These laws are written in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:31, 33; 2 Corinthians 3:3).
Holiness is important because our just God must punish sins (Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18). God cannot unite with the unholy, so the unholy cannot enjoy the love of God or the happiness of heaven. The unholy will not be admitted into heaven. If heaven were filled with the unclean, heaven would become another hell.
Only those born again can enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). Unless purified by the blood of Christ, our sins will not be forgiven and will remain with us. We need to be made new with new attributes, such as love. Without love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
How can we determine if we are living lives of holiness?
Meditate on God’s holiness. Do our souls conform to it? Do we find delight in the meditation? Do our souls agree with God’s words, which are written in our hearts? Do our souls love God’s commands?
Does our life resemble in any way the life of Christ? Are there any similarities between us and the holy people, such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul?
Holiness is a necessity. It makes our soul pure, divine, serene, delightful, bright, and excellent. Earnestly seek holiness.
Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkaSGwI8wVw