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. HOLINESS. "As obedient children, quit being fashioned according to the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, but, in accord with the Holy One who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct, because it is written: 'You must be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14,15). 'God only is Holy; He alone knows how to lead His children in the paths of holiness. He knows every aspect of your soul, every thought of your heart, every secret of your character, its difficulties and hindrances; He knows how to mould you to His Will, and lead you onwards to perfect sanctification; (1) He knows exactly how each event, each trial, each temptation, will tell upon you, and He disposes all things accordingly. The consequences of this belief, if fully grasped, will influence your whole life. You will seek to give yourself up to God more and more unreservedly, asking nothing, refusing nothing, wishing nothing, but what He wills; not seeking to bring things about for yourself, taking all He sends joyfully, and believing the 'one step' set before you to be enough for you. You will be satisfied that even though there are clouds all around, and your way seems dark, He is directing all, and that what seems a hindrance will prove a blessing, since He wills it.' (J. N. Grou). "May God Himself, the God of peace, make you holy in every part, and keep you sound in spirit, soul, and body, without fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. He who calls you is to be trusted; He will do it." (1 Thess 5:23,24 NEB). "...God has reconciled (2) you to Himself" "to present you holy and unblemished and open to no accusation before Him, provided, of course, that you continue in the faith, established on the foundation and steadfast and not being shifted away from the hope of that good news". (From Col 1:22,23 NEB & NWT). 'It is impossible for us to live in fellowship with God without holiness in all the duties of life. These things act and react on each other. Without a diligent and faithful obedience to the calls and claims of others upon us, our religious profession is simply dead. To disobey conscience when it points to relative duties irritates the whole temper, and quenches the first beginnings of devotion. We cannot go from strife, breaches, and angry words, to God. Selfishness, an imperious will, want of sympathy with the sufferings and sorrows of other men, neglect of charitable offices, suspicions, hard censures of those with whom our lot is cast, will miserably darken our own hearts, and hide the face of God from us. (H. B. Manning). "Aim at peace with all men, and a holy life, for without that no one will see the Lord." (Heb 12:14 NEB). "...what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of Godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah... Hence, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by Him spotless and unblemished and in peace." (From 2 Peter 3:11-14).
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