7 “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7–8 (ESV)
“Holiness, not happiness, is the chief end of man.” — Oswald Chambers
“Happiness comes from holiness. You can’t truly be happy unless you’re hungry for Jesus Christ.” — David Jeremiah
“We are 100 percent responsible for the pursuit of holiness, but at the same time we are 100 percent dependent upon the Holy Spirit to enable us in that pursuit. The pursuit of holiness is not a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps approach to the Christian life.” —Jerry Bridges
The Scripture’s call to holiness in general, and sexual holiness in particular, is clear and consistent. Holiness is a defining characteristic of God’s people; whether it was Israel in the Old Testament or the church in the New Testament. The identity and pursuit are the same; holiness.
Holiness, in the absolute and highest sense, belongs solely to God (Isa. 6:1-3; Rev. 4:1-8; 15:1-4). God’s holiness is reflected by believers consecrated to God’s service, as the Lord conforms them in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:13-16). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development as the believer cooperates with the Holy Spirit (Phil. 2:12-13). It is accomplished by many circumstances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23-24).
“The Christian sexual ethic was no invention of human beings. As Paul makes clear in today’s passage, to disregard the Apostolic and prophetic teaching on sexual immorality is to disregard God Himself. True, the Scriptures were written by human beings, as its teachings on ethics, theology, and other matters come through the Apostles and prophets. However, what they wrote and taught was not the words of men but was and is the words of God (1 Thess. 4:8). Anyone who rejects the teaching of Paul and the other Apostles on human sexuality is rejecting God Himself,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Thus, one cannot be a Christian and believe the world’s false narratives about human sexuality or embrace a sexual ethic that approves of homosexuality, heterosexual fornication, bestiality, pornography, incest, adultery, pedophilia, premarital cohabitation, polygamy, or anything else forbidden by the Lord in His Word (Lev. 18; 1 Cor. 5; 6:9–11; 1 Thess. 4:3–7).”
The Apostle Paul, Silas and Timothy informed the Thessalonians God had called all of them. Called (ἐκάλεσεν; ekalsen) means to summon, appoint and invite. It also means God inviting sinners to partake of the blessings of the kingdom of God. This involves both a negative and a positive side. God’s call to sinners into a covenant relationship points to not what the believer forsakes but also pursues.
“Whenever the epistles refer to the “call” of God, it is always a reference to his effectual, saving call, never to a general plea. It is linked to justification (cf. Rom. 8:30),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
“That God calls us to holiness, he proves by contraries, because he rescues us, and calls us back, from unchastity. From this he concludes, that all that reject this doctrine reject not men, but God, the Author of this calling, which altogether falls to the ground so soon as this principle as to newness of life is overthrown,” states John Calvin.
“Now, the reason why he rouses himself so vehemently is, because there are always wanton persons who, while they fearlessly despise God, treat with ridicule all threatening’s of his judgment, and at the same time hold in derision all injunctions as to a holy and pious life.”
Therefore, the believer in Christ forsakes impurity. Impurity (ἀκαθαρσίᾳ; akatharsia) refers to all moral uncleanliness. The converted sinner becomes a new person. Therefore, while forsaking what is unclean, God also calls the believer simultaneously to holiness. Carnal Christianity is not in the sovereign plan of God for salvation.
“He (Paul) reminds them that they had been endowed with the Spirit of God: first, in order that they may distinguish what proceeds from God; secondly, that they make such a difference as is befitting between holiness and impurity; and thirdly, that, with heavenly authority, they may pronounce judgment against all manner of unchastity — such as will fall upon their own heads, unless they keep aloof from contagion (contamination),” explains Calvin.
“Hence, however wicked men may treat with ridicule all instructions that are given as to a holy life and the fear of God, those that are endowed with the Spirit of God have a very different testimony sealed upon their hearts. We must therefore take heed, lest we should extinguish or obliterate it.”
Paul then says whoever disregards (ἀθετῶν; aatheton), rejects or revolts against this instruction rejects and revolts against God. It is He who gave the Holy Spirit to each believer (Rom. 8:1-9). All believers must take this instruction seriously.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a day filled with holiness.
Soli deo Gloria!
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