Last week, we discovered from scriptures that iniquity (sin) is a mystery, but godliness is a ‘great mystery’ that has the capacity to swallow it up (2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:16). Furthermore, we established that if Jesus, the Holy Child of God, still needed the Spirit of Holiness to live a sanctified life, then we need Him (the Spirit of Holiness) much more (Luke 1: 30-35; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 1:4).
In this week’s teaching, we will be looking at what is the Spirit of Holiness?
First, let’s recognise that the mystery of Godliness or Holiness lies in the ministry of the Holy Ghost. This is because there are diversities of operation, but by the same Spirit, and holiness is one of His diverse operations (Corinthians 12: 4).
For instance, the Bible says: And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of …the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).
The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is the Spirit of Holiness. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Holiness, and the Spirit of Sanctification that empowers us to live sanctified lives. He also purifies us from sin because He is the Refiner’s Fire and the Fullers’ soap (Malachi 3:1-4; Romans 1:4, 8:13; John 6:63; Acts 2:1-3).
Our golden destiny can never be realised, without the Refiner’s Fire ministry of the Holy Ghost. Just like gold cannot be refined, except through fire, no destiny of the believer can be sanctified without passing through the fire of the Holy Ghost.
WHY DO WE NEED SANCTIFICATION?
It is required for answered prayers: It is important for us to know that we need sanctification to qualify for answered prayers. The Bible says: Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:1-2).
The scriptures further say: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalm 66:18). However, one interesting thing about our God is that, any time we repent of our sins, He forgives us as if we never did it (Psalm 66:19-20).
It enhances our access to revelations: Revelation is buying into the heart of God on the issues of the hour. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant (Psalm 25:14).
For instance, Joseph had access to the secrets of God and it was said of him: forasmuch as God has shown you all these things, you are in another class (Genesis 41:37-40). At another time, Joseph said, ‘But I fear God’ (Genesis 39: 7-9; 42:18). Thus, access to revelation requires sanctification; otherwise, we will be limited to information that anybody can get.
For next-levels of anointing: Not every anointed man is impactful. It takes fresh oil to command fresh impact (Psalm 92:10; Luke 5:37-38). For instance, when we don’t change the oil in our car, the engine will soon knock down. Similarly, it is walking in the newness of life (sanctification) that guarantees access to fresh oil (Proverbs 1: 23; Psalm 45:7).
Security of Posterity: Our uprightness is the security of our generation (Psalm 112:1-2). Our walk today, determines the blessings of our children tomorrow (Proverbs 20:7). Therefore, stop playing games!
To Secure Eternity with Christ: We need sanctification, so we can make heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
In addition, it is important to recognise that being born again is the first step to living a sanctified life. Are you born again? If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”
For further reading, please get my books: Dynamics of Holiness, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph, The Forces of Freedom, Breaking the Curses of Life, Walking in Dominion, Winning Invisible Battles, Walking in Newness of Life and satan get lost.
I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.
I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org