Proven Holiness

A Proven Holiness

In the Bible we read of the concept of a proven holiness. James describes as “all joy” the testing on one’s faith through trials because “the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Jam. 1:2, 3, NASU). Peter describes our faith as “more precious than gold” and tested through fire with the result being “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:7). However, some may ask: Why should we have to prove our holiness? Is it not cruel for God to ask such things of His created? These questions miss an important reality concerning holiness and its demands. God has not asked us to do anything He has not already done.

God’s Challenges

In the Law of Moses, God challenged the Israelites to “be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44). Such a challenge was echoed by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount when He declared, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mat. 5:48). Each of these statements (and others) provides the standard by which holiness is measured: God Himself. How does this concept fit with the idea of trials or challenges in proving holiness? It fits quite well when one considers the position of God.

God’s “Trials”

Although we must be accommodative because God is Deity and infinitely beyond the realm of man, God has not been without “trial” in dealing with the created universe.

Constant rebellion

God has to endure constant and un-abating rebellion against His will. Consider for a moment the billions of human beings who both wantonly and unintentionally sin. Multiply such sin by the time in which the world has existed. It is only in this light we can begin to understand God’s “trial” and wonder at His patience.

Constant challenge

God has to endure constant and un-abating challenge of His very existence. Such a denial is truly the greatest insult of God possible. A much greater insult than anyone could hope to direct toward us.

Most precious sacrifice

God had to sacrifice the most precious part of Himself – His very own Son whom He has loved in eternity – in order to meet the demands of His justice against the constant and un-abating challenges of His will and authority. What more could God give up? What more could the demands of holiness cost?

What About Us?

God has proven His holiness through His perfect care and provision for man in spite of man’s challenges. All God asks is that we follow His example. There is nothing in life more important than proving holiness. Even if that means facing those unpleasant trials.