CAN GOD'S PEOPLE BE HOLY? IF YES, HOW?

 

YOUR SOURCE OF ATTRACTIVENESS or BEAUTY (HOLINESS)

“…BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:16 NIV).

“…WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV).

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 We are learning that most people, even God’s people, seek and pursuit most of their needs and desires of outside of themselves, even the quest for attractiveness.

Human attractiveness, whether feminine or masculine, is usually limited to the outer beauty or atttractiveness that constantly changes or simply doesn’t last. “… [outer attractiveness or]…beauty does not last…” (Proverbs 31:30 NLT).

The only attractiveness or beauty that DOES last “is” HOLINESS. God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY (immutably set apart from sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “...And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory (his presence, his goodness, and his working power)...” (Isaiah 6:3 KJV).

What should God’s people KNOW about God’s HOLINESS? The immutable STANDARDS that GOVERNS “ALL” of God’s thoughts, his words, and his actions are HOLY and SETS God APART from anyone or anything else! “… I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s complete and entire LIFESTYLE is GOVERNED by his HOLY STANDARDS at all times; without wavering, waning, or weakening.  “… I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s people CHOOSE him because of his HOLINESS that’s SETS him APART from any other object of worship. “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “...He careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… THE LORD (the HOLY ONE) … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I the LORD am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever...” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God LIVES by HOLY STANDARDS that when witnessed they will draw people to him. “…I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV). “... I…will draw all men (women) unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). Draw means to “attract through intentional and purposeful effort.” 

People DRAWN to the HOLY ONE will find themselves wanting to belong to him, wanting to worship him, wanting to praise him, wanting to keep his commandments, wanting to know him, wanting to commune with him, and so on. “ ...if I (God, the HOLY ONE) be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men (women) unto me” (John 12:32 KJV).

“…O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT).

“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).

God’s DIVINE NATURE includes HOLY (set apart) character traits that REVEAL his presence, PROMOTE his goodness, and display his working power. God’s HOLY (set apart) character traits will ALWAYS lead him to DO the righteous thing without FAIL. “… I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…[he draws]... you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s HOLY character traits are WITNESSED and EXPERIENCED through his WORDS and ACTIONS. God KEEPS his WORD and DOES what he says he WILL DO. There is “… [No]….greater love…than this…” (John 15:13 KJV). “…This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will (revealed in his WORD), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…in Him (Jesus, God’s HOLY WORD) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).

God is “…watching over [his]… WORD to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall [God, the HOLY Spirit’s]… WORD be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the HOLY Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

God’s DIVINE character traits are LIMITED to one single VALUE and that’s HOLINESS. God’s DIVINE character traits are demonstrated through EVERYTHING he says, allows, chooses, or does.

God’s DIVINE character traits of unfailing and immutably HOLINESS will NEVER become outdated, even when pursuing the CONFORMITY to the IMAGE of his SON has little value to his people any more; if any at all. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[God’s people willingly choose to] ...PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 3:14 KJV). “...Therefore, [God’s people make the choice to] be all the more diligent to make certain about HIS CALLING and choosing [them]; for as long as [they] PRACTICE these things, you will never stumble…” (2 Peter 1:10 NASB). God’s people are to CHOOSE to “…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). “…until Christ be formed in [them]…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). ^“…until [God’s people] …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

“… [With the help of the indwelling HOLY Spirit, God’s people]… are changed (conformed, etc.) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

God’s HOLINESS is the immutable STANDARDS that GOVERNS “ALL” of HIS BEING and SETS God APART from anyone or anything else! God WANTS “HIS” children or people to LIVE by those SAME standards. “…[Jesus Christ] is the ...EXACT representation of his being (DIVINE character traits)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Jesus said: “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV). “…In this world [God’s children or people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

Holiness is NOTHING to be afraid of, but something God desires HIS people to aspire to, seek after, and pursue.  “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

God is covered and clothed in the attractiveness or BEAUTY of holiness LIKE a ROYAL garment.  God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

It is the STANDARDS that GOVERNS his CONDUCT that RESULTS in HOLINESS and SETS him APART! “...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus (the LIVING WORD of God; HIS STANDARDS), who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command (God’s HOLY STANDARDS (his WORDS)) without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods (who is SET APART by holiness), His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords (who is SET APART by holiness). His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).

God has given HIS people a free, new makeover, when they BECAME “New Creations.” “…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature (made over)…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

God’s people are AGAIN clothed, covered, dressed, or arrayed in the ATTRACTIVENESS or BEAUTY of God, the Holy Spirit’s HOLINESS through Jesus Christ. “…canst thou… array (dress, cloth, cover, etc.) thyself …with BEAUTY? …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV). NO.

“…the [majestic HOLY]…Spirit of God [comes to]...dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…behold [now], all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [Indwelling holiness]...it is the gift of God[‘sSpirit]…”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV). “….ye (God’s people) shall receive the GIFT of the Holy [Spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “ …God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [the]... HEARTS ...[of HIS people]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is IN [each of his people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

God’s people get their STANDARDS from the indwelling “GOOD” seed, which is Jesus, the LIVING Word of God.   “…Christ [Jesus, the GOOD seed, dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …[IS] sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]... (symbolic, also, of the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

“… [Jesus is also]...called The Word of God (the spiritual (good) seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ …We have this treasure  (this spiritual (GOOD) seed) “in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). 

“…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and is referred to as a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit  produces  ...(spiritual) fruit in [the lives of HIS people when the SEED is watered]….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

Jesus GIVES God’s people the STRENGTH to KEEP God’s commandments (standards). “…He gives POWER to the weak and strength to the POWERless.…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT). “….GOD …GIVETH strength and POWER UNTO HIS PEOPLE…” (Psalms 68:35 KJV).  “… [His people are]…strengthened with MIGHT by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).  

^“…God… works IN [them]… to will and to act …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). ^“…God, …EQUIP[s] … [“his people”] with everything good for doing his will, and … work]s] … IN [them]…  what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [He]… IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that [they]… ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh IN [them]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [them] “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus) ...[they could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…[God’s people]…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth …[them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God has commanded his people through his Word to, “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). It’s NOT an OPTION. God’s says: “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). So God’s people are commanded to “…let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon [THEM]…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV).

“…It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those] who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...the Holy Spirit produces...[spiritual]....fruit in [his people’s]... lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, who is the SOURCE of HOLINESS will HELP “HIS” people. “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).  “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

“..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, [God’s people, that]… [you] may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit, will “…strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen HIS people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within THEM]… he doeth the works (of HOLINESS)…”(John 14:10 KJV).

People will spend their life savings on physical makeovers in order to meet some “standard of physical attractiveness or beauty” They eventually learn it doesn’t last and many end up depressed or unhappy over it.

Close to 90% of the world’s population is affected by low self-image, which STEMS from how they, personally, rank they own level of attractiveness or beauty.

God meant for males and females to be created in HIS “likeness” and “image” which is NOT physical, but spiritual. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Unfortunately, INNER BEAUTY has LOST its relevance.

 In the beginning God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Now most people, including God’s own people, covet some ideal of a “perfect” physical image, which is a form of IMAGE worship. It is their SOURCE of attractiveness or beauty. “...an image in the form of corruptible man (woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

Image worship is when you are obsessively (covertly or overtly) devoted (mentally or physically) to becoming like someone (an earthly, created image) out of reverence for that “ideal” image whatever or whoever it is (your secret idol). The bible distinctly says, “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

A god, graven IMAGE, or idol is ANYTHING that replaces the one, true God as the IMAGE of your devotion or focus in ANY area of your life. “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness(even in your heart) of any thing..” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

Many of God’s OWN people covet “body images or self-images,” gleaned from the WORLD more than becoming conformed into HIS image. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...The Son (jesus Christ) is ...the exact representation (IMAGE) of his being (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Worldly images can easily become and some are prevalent forms of idolatry whether covert or overt. God’s people, right along with the rest of the world, worship and adore those images too. “...an image in the form of corruptible man (or woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

God’s people, right along with the rest of the world, believe these images are their source of attractiveness or beauty. They want to be conformed to those images as much as possible. Most likely, those images are human images, fake images, corruptible images, or pagan images and nothing even close to the image of Jesus Christ. “...[jesus Christ) is ...the exact ...[IMAGE]... of [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

The desire to become conform to an “ideal” worldly image replaces the desire to become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.  “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…In this world [god’s people are meant to be]... like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

It is GOOD to be physical fit and healthy, but the body is NOT the source of God’s people’s attractiveness or beauty.  “..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).“...Physical training is good (for body image), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)“...Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG). “..godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“...training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

“...a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).

Outward attractiveness or beauty means a person merely wants to be SEEM physically and that will be the ONLY reward for all their hard work and efforts. “...Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven...” (Matthew 6:1 NIV). “... Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others...” (Matthew 23:5-7 NIV). “...And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full...” (Matthew 6:5 NIV).

The desire to be conformed to an ideal worldly or carnal image OFTEN replaces and/or takes precedence over the desire to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Holiness for most, including God’s OWN people, is NOT their MAIN or PRIORITY source of attractiveness or beauty. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [HOLY BEAUTY]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those] who are his [children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…He helps ...[his children]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit will HELP his children, by EMPOWERING them through his indwelling HOLY Spirit to GOVERN their conduct in ways that SET them APART, which is HOLINESS. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). NOT “...an image in the form of corruptible man  (or woman)...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB). INSTEAD, seek to “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

God’s people are to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. As NEW CREATIONS, the indwelling Holy Spirit has already given them the “SPIRIT OF HIS SON”, which SETS them APART from ALL other peoples and nation. “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [the] hearts ... [of his people]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

^“...You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light...” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

God said about Israel, “...For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

What happened to mankind’s original holiness? “…through one man sin entered into the world, and …passed to all men…” (Romans 5:12 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…The…Lord God asked…“What have you done? …“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT).  “…they hid from the Lord God …” (Genesis 3 NLT). “… [their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

“….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (the Spirit); and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 NIV). “… [their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They no longer had the covering of the Holy Spirit and could NOT clothe themselves with glory of his holiness as before.

“….they (Adam/Eve) suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they … cover[ed] themselves.  ..” (Genesis 3 NLT). “….they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves…” (Genesis 3:7 NIV). “…their eyes were opened… …“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT). They immediately died spiritually and were suddenly stripped of the God’s GLORIOUS covering.

Mankind is still dealing with the shame by trying to cover up those parts in which they are ashamed to expose to the public. “….they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they … cover[ed] themselves.  ..” (Genesis 3 NLT). 

It seems the corruption of image began in the Garden and has perpetuated itself from one generation to another for centuries. Mankind finds ways to cover his or her body image, which is really guilt, for having NO spiritual COVERING because of their sin. “….they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they … cover[ed] themselves.  ..” (Genesis 3 NLT).  “ …they hid from the Lord God.” (Genesis 3 NLT).

“…Can anyone hide from [God, the Holy Spirit]... in a secret place? [God is]... everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD….” (Jeremiah 23:24 NLT). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account…” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV). “…For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings…” (Job 34:21 KJV). “…Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalms 139:7 KJV). “…they hid from the Lord God...” (Genesis 3 NLT).

 “….. AT THAT MOMENT their eyes were opened…Then the Lord God asked…“What have you done? …“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT). Adam and Eve were in the same place King David was when he said to God, “…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

Sadly, “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Mankind struggles with the bondage of sin and it’s intrusive, perpetual guilt. “…I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself... Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the bondage of the sinful nature and its guilt-ridden practices]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

Mankind could NO LONGER “freely” choose to live out God’s righteous STANDARDS that at one time GOVERNED their behavior and SET them APART for God’s GLORY! “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t...”(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou… Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and BEAUTY …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV). Adam and Eve became “…dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). AND “….apart from …[God’s Spirit], [Adam and Eve could]... do nothing [their condition]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “....Who will free me from this life?...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

God hates sin, but he doesn’t hate the sinner. Sin separates mankind from him and he loves each of them so very deeply. Sin MARS mankind by separating them from God, the Holy Spirit and the original image in which God created them.“…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……[he said], it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

From the beginning, God, the Holy Spirit, has exhibited divine STANDARDS that immutably GOVERN his CONDUCT and SETS him APART from ALL others. God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

Letting God’s standards GOVERN your conduct sets you apart, which is holiness. Holiness is attractive or beautiful and is another way to WORSHIP God. “…worship the Lord in the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys KNEW God’s standards.  “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys’ conduct was GOVERNED by God’s STANDARDS. “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV). “... “We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings!..” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV). “... “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men....” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).

The Hebrews Boys were SET APART from every else in the story. God was with them and promoted them. “…Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished ....I SEE FOUR MEN LOOSE, WALKING IN THE MIDST OF THE FIRE, AND THEY HAVE NO HURT;..” (DANIEL 3).“…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“...Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort… Then the king PROMOTED Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon…” (DANIEL 3).

Like the Hebrew Boys ALL of God’s people are to “…worship the Lord in the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

“…[King Jehoshaphat]... appointed singers unto the Lord …that [they]…should praise the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 20:21 KJV). “…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the BEAUTY of the Lord…” (Psalms 27:4 KJV). “….worship the Lord in the BEAUTY of holiness…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…And let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon us…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV). “…The Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and BEAUTY are in his sanctuary…” (Psalms 96:5-6 KJV). “…O worship the Lord in the BEAUTY of holiness…” (Psalms 96:9 KJV).

Sin separates mankind from God. “God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 NIV). Therefore, if you are separated from his Holy Spirit, you are separated from TRUE attractiveness or beauty. “…let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon us…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV). “…the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV). “…without holiness no one will see the Lord…” (Hebrews 12:14 NIV).

Without letting God’s Holy Spirit standards GOVERN your conduct and set you apart, NO ONE will “SEE” the LORD (his Word).

Without HOLINESS God’s people will never EXPERIENCE true attractiveness or beauty. They will ALWAYS be limited to the physical standard of beauty ONLY; the kind that won’t last. “… [Outer]…beauty does not last…” (Proverbs 31:20 KJV).

Adam and Eve “…hid from the Lord God …” (Genesis 3 NLT).   “… [their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

Even in our human relationships, when one of the spouses commits an act of infidelity, the sin separates them from their husband or wife. Sin ALWAYS separates.

However, God’ STANDARD of GRACE governs HIS conduct and sets HIM apart as the HOLY ONE of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, In addition, God’s STANDARD of LOVE also governs HIS conduct and sets HIM apart as the HOLY ONE who finds a way to restore or reconcile you back to himself.  “…[God, the Holy Spirit] ...pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..The lord...[God] ... is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

“…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “...[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).  SO YOU CAN “… be holy in all manner of conversation...” (1 Peter 1:15 KJV).

The bible says, ^“…just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate (holy),” says the Lord. “ …And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB). 

People may spend a lot of time on outer attractiveness or beauty, God’s people too, but God gives very little regard to the physical. “….For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come….” (1 Timothy 4:8 KJV).

 “...God sees NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). God knows, the heart can be UGLY and it “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

An apple tree is not known for its bark, but for its apples. A grape vine is not known for its branches, but for its grapes.  Neither are God’s people known for their physical attractive or beauty, but their spiritual fruit. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

The spiritual fruit makes it easy to WITNESS and SEE the presence, the goodness, and the working power of God, the Holy Spirit, through their holiness. “…every good tree bringeth forth good fruit….[and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV).

“…The fruit of the [HOLY]...Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act …” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).

“…let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon [HIS people]….. the BEAUTY of holiness…” (Psalms 90:17 & Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…Canst thou… array thyself …[with HOLY]… BEAUTY? …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV).

 Can God’s people make themselves truly attractive or beautiful with God’s holiness? NO. “… I am all too human, a slave to sin. …I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [heart] sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God helps HIS people by sending his Son. "...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).

“…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

GOD RESTORED HIS people BACK to their ORIGINAL ATTRACTIVENESS or BEAUTY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. “…he(she) that is joined (attached, reconciled, restored, made whole, etc.,) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… it is the gift of God…”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

When “…the BEAUTY of the Lord our God [is]… upon us…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV). "… [The] … Father is glorified by this…” (John 15:8 NIV).

GOD SAID, “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). AND REMEMBER “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).