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Dear friends, as we gather in the light of the Lord's Word, let us consider the clarion call of "Called to Holiness." At the heart of this song are the transformative truths of holiness and separation unto God. Our foundational scripture for this dialogue emerges from 2 Corinthians 7:1:
_"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."_
In these words, we see an invitation and a challenge—rooted in the promises of God—that leads us toward a life characterized by holiness, a concept that transcends adherence to rules and leads us into a dynamic relationship with the Almighty.
The Apostle Paul pens these charged words to the church in Corinth, a congregation grappling with moral and spiritual challenges amidst a corrupt environment. The Corinthians faced the seduction of blending with the world, an invitation to compromise their distinctiveness as God's people.
Paul writes these compelling truths within the wider context of his second letter to the Corinthians, where he passionately defends his apostleship and delineates the life of holiness called for by God. He draws from the rich well of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Isaiah 52:11 and 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, where God calls His people to separate from anything that might defile them. In each reference, the message is clear: sanctification is both a divine calling and human responsibility.
In our scripture, let us consider two key terms: "Holiness" (Greek: ἁγιωσύνη, hagiósunē) and "Separate" (Greek: ἀφορίζω, aphorizō).
Firstly, "holiness" in Greek rather than merely meaning moral purity, conveys a profound sense of being set apart for God's purposes. Hagiósunē denotes that state of being consecrated or dedicated entirely to God.
Secondly, "separate" in Greek is aphorizō, which involves setting boundaries, dividing, and demarcating something for specific use. Here, it indicates a clear, distinct boundary that God calls His people to establish between them and defilement.
Understanding these terms deepens our appreciation for the call to holiness as not merely abstention from sin but a positive, resolute commitment to God's sacred purposes.
Let us interpret the lyrics' themes in light of these scriptures.
### Promise of God
The song begins with acknowledging these "promises." Paul refers to divine assurances that God will dwell among us, as captured in 2 Corinthians 6:16. The promise is intimate fellowship with God, a truth echoed all through the scriptures such as Hebrews 8:10.
### Call to Purity
The exhortation to "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit" draws from the concept of holy living found throughout Levitical law, emphasizing internal purification (Matthew 23:26). This is not a superficial cleaning but a deep, transformative work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6).
### A Call to Separation
"Come out from them and be separate," God commands. In Isaiah 52:11, this call was to leave Babylonian captivity without defilement. Spiritually, it is a call to abandon worldly ways (Romans 12:2, James 4:4), demanding a lifestyle that distinguishes the people of God.
### Paternal Relationship with God
"I will be a Father to you," promises a profound relationship (Romans 8:14-15). In separation from sin, we are received as His children, a promise of acceptance and belonging (1 John 3:1). It is the heart of God yearns for us to enter that transformative relationship through holiness.
To walk in the truth of this song, we must engage with practical steps:
1. Acknowledge and Embrace the Promises: Understand that God's promises are the foundation of our faith and drive to holiness. Meditate on His promises daily, and let them motivate your purification process (2 Peter 1:4).
2. Pursue Holiness Actively: Commit to a lifestyle purified from sin through daily repentance and obedience to God's Word. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict, cleanse, and guide every aspect of your life (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).
3. Establish Clear Boundaries: Consciously separate yourself from influences, habits, and relationships that lead you away from God. Set boundaries that protect your spiritual integrity (2 Timothy 2:19-22).
4. Cultivate a Reverential Fear of God: Fear of God is a healthy reverence that brings wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Develop this through prayer, worship, and study of the Word, recognizing its power to guide you in reverence and holiness.
Proclamation:
Heavenly Father, based on Your eternal promises, I choose to separate myself unto You, to purify my body and spirit. I declare that I am set apart for holiness and will walk in reverence to You, knowing You have called me Your child.
Prayer:
Lord Almighty, I thank You for Your promises and for calling me into a holy life. Grant me the strength to walk in purity, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Remove every impurity within me, and establish me in Your holy presence. Let me honor You as a faithful child, in Jesus' name, Amen.
Friends, this call to holiness is a sacred journey, defined by separation from the world and consecration to God. It is our divine calling, and through obedience, we draw near to our Father, who welcomes us with open arms.
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