Though salvation by Jesus Christ means we are dead to sin (Romans 6:7) and are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:20), we definitely still live in this fleshly body, which means we still struggle with sin every day (Galatians 5:17). This means we need each other in our battle to believe the gospel in every aspect of life in order to please God, trusting Him in obedience. This means that there are times we must confront each other on clear sin (1 Corinthians 4:6; Galatians 6:1-3; Matthew 18:15-20) with the goal that each of us would be restored to a proper relationship with each other and God, through the confession of our sin. We strive for holiness by grace, so that God will be glorified and so that we can be useful instruments in His hand.
- When we are the most pure, we are the most effective;
- When we are the most pure, we are the most joyful;
- When we are the most pure, God’s glory is the clear goal.
God is not bending Himself to accommodate our whims and feelings. He is calling us to die to ourselves, repent, and follow Him as the greatest satisfaction and joy available. May we follow Him, and pursue purity and holiness, "without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
