​​

​

1 Identity of Christians

​​

2 Sanctification

​​

3 Biblical Keys to a Holy Life

​​​​

 

________________________________

​​​

​

1 Identity of Christians

​​​​​

​Colossians 3,12

​

5 Put on therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

​​

1st Peter 1,14-17

​​

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear (...). 

​

1st Peter 2,9

​

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (...).

​

In the Bible, GOD-fearing people are called "saints" because they are called to a holy life. This new life begins with a person's conscious turning away from their sins, which accompanies spiritual rebirth. The term "saint" is not a term for deceased icons, as is known in Catholicism. GOD is holy. And since man is created in GOD's image, we too should be holy. This corresponds to our natural destiny. To live holy means to be separated from sin. Whoever believes in Jesus is no longer a sinner. For holiness and sin are mutually exclusive. Therefore, believers are never called "sinners" in the Bible. The claim of some churches that Christians are sinners contradicts the Word of GOD. Sinners are people who do not know GOD and, by nature, do not act according to His will. Someone who sees themselves as a sinner is either not yet born again or is not aware of their true identity as a Christian. Christians who consider themselves sinners are in danger of using this as an excuse for their own sinful behavior.

​​

​

2nd Corinthians 5,17

​

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

​

Ephesians 4,22-24

​

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after GOD is created in righteousness and true holiness.

​

Romans 6,1-23

​​

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 GOD forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (...) 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. (...) 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (...) 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (...) 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to GOD, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

​

The New Testament teaches that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ is a new creation. This means that the old self has died and been buried with Christ. He is dead and therefore no longer has any influence on our lives. Instead, every believer receives a new identity that is fundamentally different from his or her previous life. This difference must become visible in the life of every Christian. To do this, a Christian must be aware of his or her identity in Christ. This simultaneously requires a consistent break with the old, sinful life. Only in this way can the new, spiritual life visibly unfold. The death of the old self and the resurrection of the new self is symbolized by baptism. In many traditional churches, GOD's grace and the forgiveness of sins are emphasized one-sidedly, while repentance and sanctification are neglected. However, Christ's redemptive work encompasses both: For without grace, no salvation would be possible. Yet without repentance, we cannot partake of the grace that finally brings us salvation.

​

​

Ephesians 5,25-27

​

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

​​

The church is not a gathering of "blessed sinners"—as the national church teaches—but the gathering of the saints. In the Old Testament, the temple in Jerusalem was the place where God made His name dwell. For this reason, the temple was considered absolutely holy. Nothing and no one unclean was allowed to enter it. In the New Testament, the congregation is referred to as the "temple of GOD." Its mission is to represent GOD. Like the former temple of the Jews, so too is the church of GOD to be holy. Thus, every member of the congregation is called to consistently remove sin from their life. At the same time, all believers should encourage one another to live holy lives. Furthermore, there is a need for blameless leaders who teach GOD's Word according to truth and serve as examples for the believers. Only if the congregation remains holy can it be a light to the world and a guide to GOD. A congregation in which sin is tolerated is useless to GOD.

​

​​​

Romans 8,29

​

29 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

​

1st John 2,6

​

6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

​

The Bible calls us to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means becoming like Jesus and living as Jesus modeled for all people. Since Jesus was without sin, we too should be without sin. This is the goal every Christian should strive for with all our strength. The key for achieving this goal is our connection with Jesus and obedience to his Word.

​

________________________________

 

​

​​2 Sanctification

​​

Luke 5,32

​

32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

​

2nd Corinthians 7,1

​

16 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD.

​

1st Thessalonians 4,3-8

​

3 For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (...) 7 For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but GOD, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

​​

2nd Peter 1,3-9

​

3 According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 

​

The term "sanctification," which appears in several places in the New Testament, refers to the process of becoming holy. This process begins with repentance (= turning away from sin) and continues throughout the entire life of a believer. It is about getting to know GOD better and better, i.e., understanding His will and implementing it in our lives. This, in turn, brings about spiritual growth in us. A born-again person shares in GOD's nature. This does not mean that we become gods, but rather that our character increasingly conforms to that of our Creator, in whose image we are created. Because GOD is love, our thoughts and actions should also be determined by perfect and selfless love. This is the sign of true faith. Conversely, a sinful lifestyle and a lack of love testify to a lack of knowledge of GOD. Sin requires genuine repentance and repentance so that GOD can forgive. True repentance, in turn, is recognized by not continually repeating the same mistakes.

​

​​

Ephesians 5,8 f.

​

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth (...).

​​

1st John 1,5 - 2,2

​

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (...) 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

​

Verse 9 is often applied to believers to prove that Christians cannot be sinless. However, such a claim contradicts verses 5-7 and the first verse of chapter 2, where the writer explicitly states that believers should not sin. The context of the chapter shows that John is speaking of unbelievers here, as is clearly demonstrated by the use of the past tense in verse 10. Paul makes it clear that all people (except Jesus) have sinned and are therefore in need of salvation. Therefore, anyone who claims to have never sinned as an unbeliever makes GOD a liar. On the other hand, GOD offers forgiveness of sins to all who confess their sins to Him. This is the first step toward reconciliation with our Heavenly Father.

 

GOD is light. The term "light" is a metaphor for perfect purity. To have fellowship with GOD, we must walk in the light; that is, act with a pure mind. If we continually sin, we walk in darkness and cannot have fellowship with GOD. Therefore, it is necessary that we allow our hearts to be cleansed of sinful thoughts and behaviors through the blood of Jesus that flows within us (= a metaphor that we are born again).

​

​

1st John 3,2-10

​

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of GOD doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of GOD. 10 In this the children of GOD are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of GOD, neither he that loveth not his brother.

​

1st John 5,18

​

18 We know that whosoever is born of GOD sinneth not; but he that is begotten of GOD keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

​

Hebrews 12,1

​

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us (...).

​​

These passages speak most clearly to the fact that true Christians do not sin. This doesn't mean that Christians don't make mistakes or that they can't be tempted. It means that true Christians do not habitually sin as they did before their conversion. A person born of GOD hates everything that contradicts GOD's will. Those who love GOD resolutely resist the devil's temptations, learn from mistakes, and overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit, who works in every believer and urges them to live holy lives.

​

 

​​​​

________________________________

​​

​​

 

3 Biblical Keys to a Holy Life

​

John 8,31-36

​

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

​

2nd Corinthians 3,17 f.

​

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

​

1st Corinthians 10,23

​

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

​

Christians are called to a life of freedom. This primarily means freedom from sin. Therefore, believers should not allow themselves to be controlled by anything. Those who live in sin show that they are not (yet) free. The key to freedom is recognizing the truth we find in GOD's Word. By allowing our thoughts and actions to be determined by His will, we can attain the freedom that GOD wants to give us. GOD's Spirit gives us the necessary strength that enables us to live holy lives. In this way, we reflect the spotless character of Jesus, whom we are to become like. Those who persist in their sins to the end will perish.

​

​​

2nd Corinthians 10,3-5

​

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds 5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 

​

Ephesians 6,10-18

​

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD: 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (...).

​

Philippians 2,12 f.

​

12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

​

Living holy lives doesn't happen automatically, but requires our active participation, even if the strength to do so comes from GOD. In this context, Paul calls Christians to put on the armor of GOD. This consists of several components designed to help us resist evil. These include 1. trusting in GOD and allowing ourselves to be led by His Spirit, 2. regularly reading GOD's Word and aligning our thoughts and actions accordingly, and 3. praying constantly and staying connected to GOD. In this way, our relationship with GOD can grow and our faith can be strengthened. At the same time, our spiritual resilience also increases. Those who are determined and consistent in this will make steady progress until they reach perfection. Those who disregard or neglect this, on the other hand, will have lukewarm and weak faith. At the same time, they will experience neither spiritual breakthroughs nor a change in their hearts.

​​

​

Galatians 5,16-25

 

​

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

​

​​

Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ receives GOD's Holy Spirit. The primary function of the Holy Spirit is to reveal GOD's will to us. At the same time, GOD's Spirit purifies and renews our hearts and characters. Paul urges all believers to be led by GOD's Spirit at all times. In this way, we can overcome all sinful habits.

​

​​​

2nd Corinthians 6,14-18

​

14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of GOD with idols? for ye are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 

​

Living holy lives may require avoiding people and things that distract us from GOD or harm us spiritually. This applies both inside and outside the church. Friendships between Christians and ungodly people are neither biblical nor meaningful. True friendship can only exist where there is a foundation for fellowship. This foundation can and must only be GOD's Word. Those who voluntarily associate regularly with unbelievers and idolaters (except for missionary purposes) run the risk of being negatively influenced and straying.

 

​

Romans 7,15 -25

​

15  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of GOD after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25  I thank GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of GOD; but with the flesh the law of sin.

​

In this passage, Paul puts himself in the shoes of an unbeliever. He explains that there are two laws: 1. the law of GOD and 2. the law of sin. Both laws contradict each other. While our mind agrees with the law of GOD, the flesh (= the fallen, sinful nature of man) opposes GOD's authority. Although man theoretically knows what is good and right, in practice he does not act accordingly because the law of sin holds him captive. Paul presents the solution to this dilemma in the next chapter. The claim that Paul is portraying himself as a sinner here is untenable, as it contradicts numerous other statements by the apostle regarding the holiness of believers.

​

​

Romans 8,1-14

​

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, GOD sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against GOD: for it is not subject to the law of GOD, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please GOD. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of GOD dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (...) 12  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD.

​

Paul explains that Jesus not only died for our sins, but that the Holy Spirit, whom every believer receives at conversion, has set us free from the law of sin. GOD's Spirit empowers us to live godly lives consistent with our new identity in Christ. Even though the law of sin still exists in theory, sin no longer affects us in practice. When we put to death the fleshly desires within us and continually allow the Holy Spirit to govern our thoughts and actions, we demonstrate that we are children of GOD. On the other hand, those who continue to act according to the flesh despite confessing Jesus demonstrate that they have not yet experienced spiritual rebirth, without which salvation is not possible.

​

​