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IN HOLINESS his presence in us
HOLINESS AND JESUS one rmy
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I’m set apart for Jesus, His goodness I have seen, He makes my heart his altar, He keeps his temple clean. Our union none can sever, Together every hour, His life is mine for ever With resurrection power. William James Pearson (1832-1892) (SASB 255 v 2) THE holiness of God is beyond description. It is above our knowledge and understanding. It powers the source of all life, giving birth to all that is good – yet words fail us for a full, adequate definition. Through the ages, those who have gained a glimpse of the divine splendour, have described becoming overpoweringly aware of their own frailties and sinfulness. They have felt far apart from their Maker, unclean and in need of cleansing. Isaiah records such an experience (6:1-5). So it isn’t surprising to find that when people first became aware of the holiness of God, they spoke in terms of his ‘separateness’ (Exodus 15:11). Fear, dread and awe accompanied early recognition of him, as his divine nature was being increasingly discerned (Psalm 96:9). Respect, reverence and worship of God will always be vital to our understanding of him, yet from earliest times God signified that he desires relationship with us (Leviticus 26:12). As Augustine observed, God has ‘made us for himself ’1. He wants us to enjoy knowing him. He even wants us to be ‘one’ with him (John 17:20-23).
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But the gap between God and us is huge. When we look at ourselves we see imperfections, flaws in our character, failures, and that we are less than we can or ought to be. How can we have relationship – true, genuine relationship – with a holy God? Who or what could make it possible? God gave us the answer in Jesus.2
his Father’s will – fully and obediently. His holiness also showed itself in selfless living, putting our needs before his own comfort.
But there was and is something more. For the relationship to be truly effective, we need to accept him too – as he is, pure, true, holy.
By his presence he showed that a holy life need not be distant or separate from others. Jesus mixed freely within communities, engaging, encouraging, touching, healing and renewing those who came to him. He gave and received love, showing that the holy God was approachable, accepting of others and ready to develop relationships.
Welcoming him involves asking for forgiveness, being cleansed, having a fresh start, being ready to let him help us keep our sinful nature under control – and then living, by the strength he gives us, as people whose lives reflect their relationship with the holy God.
In Discussion 1. Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and discuss how you think you would react to such an overwhelming experience of the presence of God. Isaiah 6:1-8 2. What insights into the holiness of God did Jesus bring when he was on earth? John 14:6-10; John 17:6, 11, 20-22, 25, 26; Mark 9:2-8; Hebrews 4:14, 15 3. What evidence is there in Scripture that Jesus was ‘truly and properly God’ and ‘truly and properly man’? Luke 1:35-37; Matthew 1:22, 23; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 4:2; John 11:35; Luke 23:46 4. Jesus ‘showed that a holy life need not be distant or separate from others’. How can we do this? Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 7:1-8; Luke 7:31-35
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In Prayer Thank God that Jesus shows us what a holy life truly looks like.
When Jesus came to live among us as God’s Son, he brought his holiness with him. He was God incarnate – fully human and fully divine3 (Philippians 2:6, 7). He was bridging the gap just by being here. More than that, he showed by his actions what a holy life looked like. He taught how it could be lived and promised the help we need to live it (John 14:26). His holiness showed itself in a sinless life, by his purity of motive, by evidence of grace and truth in all his dealings. He carried out
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(NIV) until Christ comes, does not imply that we will experience ‘sinless perfection’. Such a state is not possible. His prayer is an affirmation of the grace of God that covers our sins. We will not be blamed for what we have been forgiven. Writing to the Romans Paul expressed things this way: ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’ (8:1). He did not expect us to become infallible on receiving Christ unreservedly into our lives, or that we would never again
in holiness holiness - the THE Army’s tenth doctrine confidently doctrine declares: ‘We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ The doctrine is a direct quotation from 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It comes from a prayer made by Paul for Thessalonian Christians, asking that ‘God himself, the God of peace’, would sanctify them ‘through and through’. It is a prayer. It is a God-given possibility. The doctrine says it is also a privilege. It is a privilege in the sense that we are given a choice. God does not force himself or his holiness on us. It is also a privilege because of the quality of life it brings. No other experience can compare with being made whole by God himself. It embraces forgiveness, cleansing and renewal – and brings freedom from any spiritual hold the past may have on us. Knowing God’s presence and blessing in our lives is not a burden. It is not oppressive. It is liberating and life-enhancing – a privilege. It is an experience, says the doctrine, open to ‘all believers’. It is not for the ‘chosen few’. God does not have his favourites, nor does he select those on whom his saving
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grace will rest. Scripture emphasises that eternal life – a quality of life that begins with Christ’s presence in and among us – begins now (1 John 4:15) and is for ‘whoever’ believes (John 3:16). Paul’s prayer that we be ‘wholly sanctified’ touches every area of our lives. It involves a complete, willing handing over of ourselves to God – ‘spirit and soul and body’ – not selected areas of our life only. Each part of our life affects other parts. We must surrender wholly to God if we want him to make us whole. No other way is possible. William Booth said that ‘the greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender’. It will always be so.
cause regret, or experience disappointment with ourselves. As Lieut-Colonel Milton Agnew pointed out in Earthen Vessels, it would be wrong to assume we become unable to sin. That would be to take our humanity away. Rather, we are ‘able not to sin’. There is a vast difference in meaning. We still have a choice. There is nothing more powerful for daily living than the sanctifying presence of God himself in the life of a believer. It is our privilege.
In Discussion 1. Study the Army’s tenth doctrine and discuss why this experience is described as a ‘privilege’. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 2. What might prevent us from being ‘wholly sanctified’? 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Matthew 5:21-24; Matthew 5:27-30; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; 2 Timothy 3:2-5 3. Discuss William Booth’s assertion that ‘the greatness of a man’s power is in the measure of his surrender’. Matthew 18:2-4; Mark 8:34-37 4. What is the difference between being ‘unable to sin’ and being ‘able not to sin’? Which phrase is correct and why? Romans 7:21-24; Philippians 3:12-14; Romans 6:1, 2, 12-14
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In Prayer Pray for a greater realisation of the sense of privilege that comes through relationship with God.
Being ‘made whole’ is, of course, the beginning. Continuing and growing in right relationship with God is a step further4. Paul’s prayer, that we are ‘kept blameless’
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NONE of us asked to be born5. We had no choice or say in the matter. There was no possibility of selecting our parents or family. Time, place and circumstances into which we were born were determined without any help from us. Yet there is another scenario in which we are given a choice. It is in the matter of ‘new birth’ or ‘rebirth’. Jesus called it being ‘born again’ – by his Spirit6 (John 3:3). It is when we ask his Spirit to indwell us. ‘Flesh gives birth to flesh,’ said Jesus, ‘but the Spirit gives birth to spirit’ (v 6). He described the experience as being the way in which we discover the Kingdom of God, his presence in us being the determining factor. But how does spiritual birth happen? Nicodemus, a learned man, required some help to understand, so Jesus used the wind as an illustration (v 8). We don’t know where it comes from or even where it is going, he said. We can’t see it, but we know it is there – and we observe its effect. With Hebrew and Greek words for wind, breath and spirit being interchangeable, Jesus was indicating that the breath of life, found in God’s Spirit, brings us to new birth. It needn’t be outwardly dramatic – but it happens. The same Spirit of God who brought the world into being, is the Spirit who indwells human hearts – by invitation. John the Baptist played a unique part in preparing people for the new life that would come with Jesus. He told the crowds who sought him out at the River Jordan, that whereas he baptised with water, Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit. As noted earlier, his words are recorded in each of
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the four Gospels7. This same message was emphasised by Jesus, after his resurrection (Acts 1:5). We are obviously meant to realise the new significance of the Spirit’s presence in each life. A new era began when the Holy Spirit came to the believers on the day of Pentecost. It is by that same Spirit that Christians of all nations, through all ages, are united. It is important to realise that the Holy Spirit came to the believers only because they prayed for him to come (Acts 1:14). They waited in Jerusalem for his coming, just as Jesus instructed, but it wasn’t a passive waiting. It was ‘active’, ensuring that together they were ready for the implications of what it would mean. Their lives needed to be fully open to God’s will. Although Pentecost – the birth of the Church – cannot be repeated (Acts 2:1-4), the same principle applies to each believer. He comes if we are truly willing.
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In his Letter to the Ephesians (4:4-6), the apostle Paul spoke of one body and one Spirit – of one Lord and one faith – and ‘one baptism’. Some believers may have needed this clarification. Was John’s baptism still valid? How important was water baptism now? Jesus hadn’t baptised with water (John 4:2) and Paul didn’t see it as a priority (1 Corinthians 1:13-17). Peter was startled when Gentiles received the Holy Spirit before being baptised in water – and then he remembered what Jesus had said (Acts 11:15-18). Still, today, there are differing understandings of what is or isn’t required – but there is only one baptism.
When we speak in terms of spiritual experience and a holy life, The Salvation Army teaches that it is God’s presence that sanctifies us – nothing else. It is not good works, or years of service, nor any specific ceremony. It is not being kind or abstaining from harmful actions. These can, of course, be part of our dedicated living, but they cannot and do not sanctify us. His presence is everything.
In Discussion 1. How does being born again mark the beginning of a holy life? John 3:3; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Peter 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:27; Galatians 5:16-18 2. How did Jesus say spiritual birth happens? What makes it real? John 3:6-8; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 18; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:5 3. Jesus and John the Baptist spoke of the importance of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. What was the significance of this new teaching? Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:11-18; Ephesians 4:3-6 4. Why can’t good works, years of service, abstinence or specific ceremonies, sanctify us? What does? Romans 15:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 2:4-10; Ephesians 2:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
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In Prayer Pray for guidance to see what is essential and what is not essential for Christian living.
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THERE are many ways of describing what happens when we welcome Christ into our lives. One reason for this is that we are all different – all individuals – each with our own character, understanding, perceptions, needs and experience of life. We become aware of God at different times and according to how our lives unfold. He comes to us in ways that help each of us best – personally. So it can be unwise to look for a formula or set patterns through which we decide God must work. God is far greater in his ways of working than we can imagine and not limited in his thinking as we are. Even so, the Church has used many terms to describe spiritual experience. Often they have been helpful as markers for our spiritual life. They still are, yet they can mean different things to different people. Bearing this in mind, The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine devotes a section to ‘Interpretations of the holiness experience’, in which it explains clearly the meaning behind various well-known and well-used terms8. As it does so, it points out that ‘the experience of holiness has been expressed in a number of different ways, none of which reveals the whole truth’. These are wise words of guidance. Such advice is still needed, as the Church sometimes strays into a ‘rules and regulations’ interpretation of what should be a life of freedom in Christ. Writing in Boston Common, Grant Sandercock-Brown suggests that in the 21st century there is ‘an uneasy feeling that at some point, somewhere, holiness was replaced by abstinence and burning love by best practice’9. We need to be on our guard against measuring holiness merely by codes of conduct, or by adherence to ceremonies or rituals. To do so is to be led away from the most important understanding of all – that holiness of life is first and foremost the
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developing relationship. Alan Harley helpfully reminds us that ‘holiness is not something added to the new birth; it is the result and evidence of it’11.
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fruit of a personal, open, honest relationship with God himself. The relationship that begins when we are ‘born again’ and Christ is invited to indwell our heart, should always be our first concern. The responsibility for keeping it fresh, alive and growing is ours and ours alone. It cannot be delegated10. As we go through life we can enjoy the constant companionship and guidance of God. Sometimes we need correction, at other times encouragement, and there are occasions when the presence of God seems to overwhelm us with his blessing.
Having welcomed Christ into our lives at the new birth, we do not keep on ‘receiving’ him12. We do not attain ‘higher levels’ of Christianity. We do not need to embrace rituals that ratify his presence. He is there already – our constant companion. It is this, and this alone, that gives credence to our ministry – Christ in us wherever we go. Such incarnational ministry is at the heart of what it means to be a Salvationist. It is what makes us authentic. It is what makes us Christian. It is what keeps us holy.
Helpful or unhelpful as definitions may be, the call to holiness in all its dimensions reminds us that the holy life necessarily involves personal, relational, social and political attitudes. The experience of holiness isn’t merely a very blessed spiritual feeling on a Sunday morning. If it is anything at all, it has its outworking in everyday life, seven days a week. Holiness demands that we get our hands dirty while asking God to keep our hearts clean. It must make a defining difference as to how we live and to the people we are. Called to be God’s People, page 84
In Discussion 1. How might specific terms for Christian experience help or hinder our understanding of what is essentially a relationship with God? See The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, pages 202-205; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; 2 Peter 1:3 2. Discuss differences between a ‘rules and regulations’ approach to holiness and our ‘freedom in Christ’. Galatians 3:1-5; Galatians 5:1, 4-6; Galatians 5: 13, 14 3. Responsibility for keeping our personal relationship with Jesus fresh cannot be delegated. Why? John 21:20-22; Romans 14:10, 11 4. ‘Christ in us wherever we go’ is described as ‘incarnational ministry’ and ‘the heart of what it means to be a Salvationist’. Why? John 17:15-19, 20-23; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:1-3, 15-17
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In Prayer Pray that the presence of Christ in your life will truly mean that he ministers to others through you.
When this happens there can be the danger of wanting to use words or terms to define experiences that defy accurate description, or we may wish to classify some experiences as more important than others. This is when it is good to remember that the holy life is entirely about relationship with God. Every experience takes place within this ongoing,
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IT is not possible to measure or quantify spiritual experience13. Not one of us is able to accurately assess the depth of each other’s commitment or understanding of God. These things simply cannot be done – for a number of reasons. For instance, none of us started our Christian journey from the same place. Some were taught the truths of the gospel well, others weren’t. Some of us had good examples to inspire us, others have been discouraged and influenced unhelpfully by poor examples. It is inappropriate and misguided to try to judge others’ spirituality based on what we think we know.
growing in each of us. We may vary in our abilities and understanding, but we should each be growing – growing into the likeness of the One who lives within us. Without his presence we will fail. With him we will have the joy of seeing – in a very personal way – how he uses us in his world to make him known. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of God within.
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But there is a way in which each of us can keep a check on our own spiritual progress. In his Letter to the Galatians, Paul presented a list of what he called ‘the fruit of the Spirit’ (5:22, 23). He seems to have named the fruit – one by one – because some ‘Christians’ were displaying ungodly qualities, which he also listed (v 19-21). By listing the fruit specifically he could give strong guidance as to the qualities that should be growing in the lives of those who ‘live by the Spirit’ (v 25). The fact is, their growth in each life is evidence of the Spirit’s presence. Paul lists the fruit as: ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ There is an absence of aggression and personal promotion in the list. Each fruit speaks of well-being and consideration for others. We may develop some more easily than others, but it is not for us to ‘pick and choose’ the ones we like best. They are, of course, all qualities found in Jesus. As his Spirit indwells us so our lives should increasingly reflect his presence – his likeness. Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, writer of many books on holiness, defined
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it as ‘conformity to the nature of God. It is likeness to God, as he is revealed in Jesus’14. General Frederick Coutts gave similar teaching. He wrote: ‘Christlikeness is holiness. Where Christ is enthroned, there is holiness.’15 Salvation Story carried the same theme: ‘God’s purpose in saving us is to create in us the likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ, who is the true image of God. It is to impart the holiness of Jesus so that we may ‘participate in the divine nature’ (2 Peter 1:4)16. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3:18, speaks of our reflecting ‘the Lord’s glory’ and ‘being transformed into his image’. The message is clear. The words ’being transformed’ speak of a work in progress. In the same way, the analogy of fruit implies growth, moving towards maturity. Paul, who preached and embraced holy living, openly indicated God was still working on him. He hadn’t ‘arrived’ or been ‘made perfect’ (Philippians 3:12).
THE CALL TO HOLINESS We call Salvationists worldwide to restate and live out the doctrine of holiness in all its dimensions – personal, relational, social and political – in the context of our cultures and in the idioms of our day while allowing for, and indeed prizing, such diversity of experience and expression as is in accord with the Scriptures. We affirm that God continues to desire and to command that his people be holy. For this Christ died, for this Christ rose again, for this the Spirit was given. We therefore determine to claim as God’s gracious gift that holiness which is ours in Christ. We confess that at times we have failed to realise the practical consequences of the call to holiness within our relationships, within our communities and within our movement. We resolve to make every effort to embrace holiness of life, knowing that this is only possible by means of the power of the Holy Spirit producing his fruit in us. Called to be God’s People, page 79
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In Discussion 1. List important qualities in life that can’t be measured. Discuss the effect they have on us. Philippians 4:8; 2 Peter 1:5-8 2. Consider which fruit of the Spirit might require the most attention in your own life. Galatians 5:22 3. Discuss the absence of aggression in the fruit of the Spirit. How should this be reflected in the way we live? Galatians 5:22; Romans 12:19-21; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 5:28-42 4. Discuss how ‘being transformed’ into the likeness of Christ is a lifetime’s experience. 2 Corinthians 3:18 In Prayer Pray that the fruit of the Spirit will grow in your life and lead to greater spiritual maturity.
So the emphasis is on ‘growing’. Although we have differing personalities, life experiences and gifts – and should not compare one person with another – there is no escaping the fact that the fruit of the Spirit should be
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johnny and eva kleman, swedish SALVATION ARMY OFFICERs, give a scandinavian perspective on serving god in the army SHARING important elements of a common history and tradition, the Scandinavian countries also relate to each other in certain ways when it comes to a perspective of holiness. Located in the northern part of Europe, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland together embrace a heritage strongly influenced by the Lutheran Church. Salvation Army ministry commenced with a rapid and powerful opening in all the Scandinavian territories in the 1880s. More than 500 corps were opened and 20,000 soldiers enrolled by the turn of the 20th century. In 1905 there was a crisis in The Salvation Army in Sweden and the Army’s renowned holiness teacher, Samuel Logan Brengle, was sent to Sweden to help clarify teaching and bring healing. Brengle’s holiness seminars around the country lasted for several years and influenced the territory deeply. At the same time, missionaries from the new Pentecostal movement arrived in Bergen, Norway. Brengle left for Bergen and for months he was there, discussing and preaching about holiness. Instead of just focusing on spiritual gifts, Brengle taught the importance of the growth of the fruit of the Spirit in the life of each believer. Since then, holiness teaching has combined with charismatic presence and been characteristic of Salvationist expression in Scandinavia. Today, the Scandinavian countries are described as a post-modern, materialistic, individualistic and secular region. That change has come rather rapidly. In the 1950s financial development accelerated fast and Scandinavia went from a mono-religious and mono-cultural society, to the very secular society of today. Despite that, more than 80 per cent of the population are still members of the Lutheran Church. However, only four to eight per cent attend a church regularly, which means that the faith and values of The Salvation Army and other denominations are often seen as sub-cultures in society. Even so, many of the practical and traditional outcomes of the Lutheran practice are still visible in society. Some might say that ‘Luther is still sitting on our shoulder, telling us to perform better’. That may be one example of the awareness of Lutheran theology in every Christian’s life. We are all individually called to righteousness and to a specific duty in the Kingdom of God. One of the good things in this theology is that everyone is valued and everything we do is important. Because of that we say, ‘Everything worth doing is worth doing well’. Nevertheless, as we lose the knowledge and understanding of God’s grace and love, Christian faith and everything it represents is becoming remembered mostly as in holiness– in culture
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pressure and a burden. To never feel content, always pushing yourself a bit harder, can easily create guilt and shame, and this has sometimes been regarded as a part of a Scandinavian identity and character. The Salvation Army teaches that God as Trinity is holy and so is everything that he is related to. By his grace we are all invited to experience a personal relationship with him and, through the Holy Spirit, we gain knowledge of who God is and what his will is for us. In the 1980s, studies of religion in Nordic education started to portray God without the mystery of the Trinity. God was reduced to just a study-object and not a person. Thus, personal relationship was marginalised in importance. By doing
We are all individually called to righteousness and to a specific duty in the Kingdom of God. One of the good things in this theology is that everyone is valued and everything we do is important.
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In close relationship with God we are able to recognise and communicate with him. This communication affects our mind and understanding of God.
in culture so, the concept of the holiness of God was lost. Without a holy God there could be no holy Scripture, and no foundation for Christian ethics and holy living. This viewpoint has strongly affected Scandinavian education on all levels, with huge consequences for the understanding of Christian values. If we interpret Luther’s teaching correctly, we see he was articulating that any holiness of ours must be founded on God’s holiness, and it is only by his grace that he transforms us to be like him (Romans 8:29; 12:2). This means that holiness is not regarded primarily as outward behaviour. In close relationship with God we are able to recognise and communicate with him. This communication affects our mind and understanding of God. It enables us to exist according to his will and purpose. Holiness is not so much to act as a holy person but to be holy. Our holy spiritual relationship with God affects our mind and heart and, in consequence, is shown through our everyday life. It is that kind of holy life that testifies to the world about a living holy God.
Without such sanctification we are reduced to the standards that the community around us holds and we are often conformed to its behaviours. The effect of the secular and individualistic society is widely apparent and challenges Scandinavian Salvationists. But with our transformed nature, by his grace God is able to use us to change the surrounding society. We can again emphasise everyone’s value to God and vocation in society. With our one life we are each able to show the true meaning of Christian faith and practice. Together we can show what a holy life is and through our shared witness testify to God’s love and grace for the world.
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culture in context: 1. Are there ways in which holiness is seen as a ‘pressure and a burden’ in your culture, rather than as a liberating way of life? 2. How is the word ‘holy’ largely understood in your society? Does the answer create problems for its teaching?
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What resources would you add? Let us know by emailing OneArmy@salvationarmy.org or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ onearmy/resources
The introductory discussion points, Bible readings and prayers help put the series into the context of each life and individual understanding. The Leader’s Manual has further suggestions as to how these opportunities for growth may be developed.
@TSAOneArmy This unit relates in particular to doctrines 10 but also relates to doctrines 4 and 7
referenced resources for This unit
recommended resources for The Series books for the Series The Holy Bible The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, Salvation Books, IHQ The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement, Salvation Books, IHQ The Salvation Army Year Book, Salvation Books, IHQ The Song Book of The Salvation Army, IHQ Called to be God’s People – based on the Calls of the International Spiritual Life Commission, Salvation Books, IHQ Samuel Logan Brengle: Heart for God, edited by Peter Farthing, Australia Eastern Territory Holiness Unwrapped, Salvation Books, IHQ and Australia Eastern Territory The Life and Ministry of William Booth, Roger J. Green, Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, USA Who are These Salvationists? An Analysis for the 21st Century, Shaw Clifton, Crest Books, The Salvation Army, Alexandria, VA, USA Some of these books are available in a number of languages. dvds for the Series Called to be God’s People – based on the Calls of the International Spiritual Life Commission, Salvation Books, IHQ Holiness Unwrapped, Australia Eastern Territory Our People – The remarkable story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory Boundless Salvation, four-part series by John Cleary, Australia Southern Territory
additional resources
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books for this unit See St Augustine’s Confessions 2 This section links closely with ‘Holy’ in Holiness Unwrapped, Australia Eastern Territory, page 5. 3 See The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, IHQ, chapter 4, page 79ff. 4 See ‘Pure in Heart’ in Holiness Unwrapped. 5 See ‘Born Again’ in Holiness Unwrapped. 6 See ‘How you can be born again’ in Born Again in the Spirit, IHQ, by Kapela Ntoya. 7 Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:26, 33. 8 See The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, pages 202-205. 9 See Boston Common, Salvo Publishing, chapter 17, page 120. 10 Love – Right at the Heart, Salvation Books, IHQ, Robert Street, addresses this point in ‘Love and Depth’, pages 73-75. 11 Boston Common, Chapter 14, ‘Holiness and Regeneration’, page 103. 12 For further comment, see Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to celebrate Christ’s presence’, IHQ, page 33. 13 This section links closely with Holiness Unwrapped, ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’, page 69. 14 The Way of Holiness, Samuel Logan Brengle and Samuel Logan Brengle: Heart for God. 15 Essentials of Christian Experience, IHQ, Frederick Coutts. 16 Salvation Story, IHQ, chapter 9, page 85.
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further resources Authentic Holiness, Geoff with Kalie Webb, Australia Southern Territory. Spiritual Breakthrough, John Larsson, IHQ. CD An Audio-book version of Called to be God’s People is available on the One Army website www.salvationarmy.org/one army additional resources
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Note to youth leaders This material can be delivered in a single session. However, by using the additional resources listed at the end, or those recommended on the website, it can be extended over more sessions. We haven’t included suggested timings because much will depend on the age, understanding and size of each group. For some of the activities in the series, advanced preparation and materials are required. See also the Leader’s Manual for other ideas that could be adapted.
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inholiness holinessandjesus THE holiness of God is beyond description – there are no words in any language that can adequately describe what God is truly like. In comparison with his greatness and goodness, we appear weak and sinful. Yet, Jesus came to bridge the gap between us. As both fully human and fully God he was able to show what a genuinely holy life looked like. Not only that, but he offered himself to us, so that when we accept him into our lives we receive the Holy Spirit and begin to reflect God’s holiness in our lives (see page 02 of the main book). Play a game of ‘guess who’ with the other members of your group. Ask each member of the group to think of a well-known person that they really admire. It could be someone famous, like an actor or music performer, or a well-known leader in your country. It can be anyone, as long as the rest of the group are likely to have heard of this person! Now, allow the group to try and work out, one at a time, who the person is by asking 10 questions that require a yes or no in holiness
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answer (e.g. Is your person female? Is your person over 30 years of age?). At the end of 10 questions, see if they have guessed who it is. After everyone has had a go, think together about these questions: Why did you choose that particular person? What is it that you admire about them? What qualities do you see in other people that impress you the most? What qualities did Jesus show during his lifetime that make him stand out above all others? How would you describe ‘holiness’ and how was that evident in the way that Jesus lived?
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inholinessquiz
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inholiness THEdoctrine THE tenth Salvation Army doctrine makes a remarkable claim! It suggests that all those who follow Christ can be made holy through the presence of God living in us. This is a process that touches every area of our lives – mind, heart, soul and body. It is open to all believers and involves us playing our part through surrendering ourselves completely to God (see page 04 of the main book). Have a go at the quiz together on page 05 by looking up the Bible verses and choosing the answer that you think is most true to the passage. Take time to justify your answer and to discuss together what each Bible verse means. Answers are at the bottom of the page.
1. Why should we be holy? 1 Peter 1:15-16 a) Because it makes the world a better place b) Because God is holy c) Because Jesus told us it was good d) Because that’s what Christians do 2. Where does holiness come from? Leviticus 20:7 a) It comes from inside of us b) It comes from our effort to be more like Jesus c) It comes from God d) It comes from Salvation Army membership 3. How do we become holy? 1 Thessalonians 5:24 a) By trying as hard as we can b) By praying every day c) By being kind to others d) By allowing God to make us holy 4. What happens when we are confronted with the full holiness of God? Isaiah 6:1-5 a) We realise that we are unclean b) We start dancing and singing songs of worship c) We feel proud to be connected with him d) We say the Lord’s prayer 5. What part of us will become holy when we submit ourselves to God? 1 Thessalonians 5:23 a) Our minds b) Our bodies c) Our spirit d) Everything – our minds, bodies and spirit 6. What can prevent us from becoming holy? 2 Timothy 3:2-5 a) Loving the wrong things and the wrong way b) Not keeping the rules c) Not reading the Bible enough d) Trying too hard
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Answers to Quiz:
1b; 2c; 3d; 4a; 5d; 6a. in holiness
– the doctrine one
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inHOLINESS
HISPRESENCEINUS THE Bible teaches us that holiness comes when God lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Jesus describes it as ‘being born again’ (John 3:3). On the day of Pentecost the first believers experienced it in a powerful way, when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 2:1-4). The Salvation Army teaches that it is God’s presence alone that can make us holy – nothing else. It is not being kind, doing good, a special ceremony or anything else. These things, of course, can be a sign of holy living but in themselves they do not make us holy (see page 07 of the main book).
or chorus encourage people to pray their words of thanks. Finish the worship time by praying for one another, that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and be empowered to live a life of holiness. You may like to close by saying or singing these words from The Song Book of The Salvation Army, song 294 as a prayer.
Ensure everyone in your group has a piece of paper and ask them to write their name on it. Then pass those pieces of paper around the circle taking time to write one or two things that reflect the presence of God in the life of the person whose name is at the top. You may like to have some music playing in the background. When you have finished, give prayers of thanks and praise to God for what he is doing in your lives. Alternatively, sing a song together and between each verse in holiness
– his presence in us one
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BREATHE on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what thou dost love And do what thou wouldst do. 2 Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with thee I will one will To do and to endure. 3 Breathe on me, breath of God, Till I am wholly thine, Until this earthly part of me Glows with thy fire divine. 4 Breathe on me, breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with thee the perfect life Of thine eternity.
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inholiness holyrelationship THERE are many ways to describe what happens when we welcome Christ into our lives. It will vary from person to person and change over our lifetime. The most important understanding of all, however, is that holiness of life is first and foremost the fruit of a personal, open, honest relationship with God himself (see page 08 of the main book). Split the group into two and give a separate task to each. Ask one group to think of all the rules and regulations they have heard that relate to holy living and the other group consider what is required to keep a relationship with God fresh. Ask each group to write down their thoughts on a large piece of paper. Now come back together and talk about how these two lists relate to one another (for example, how does loving your neighbour relate to spending time in prayer?). Share some personal stories from your own experience of how you try to in holiness
– holy relationship one
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live a holy life. You might like to do this by interviewing one or two people in the group or by passing an imaginary ‘microphone’ (any object) around the group whilst some music plays – then when the music stops the person holding the ‘microphone’ has to answer a question! You could ask questions such as: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word ‘holy’? Why do you think that is? Is it difficult to be holy? Why is this so? What has helped you develop a closer relationship with God? Have you ever experienced a time when God has helped you overcome some unholy behaviour in your life? What happened? What living person would you describe as holy? Why is that? When has someone else inspired or encouraged you to be holy? What happened?
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The way I treat others… The things I say… The things I think… How I us
inholiness holylife – the evidence IT is simply not possible to measure how ‘holy’ someone else is – after all we cannot possibly assess the depth of someone’s commitment to God. But there is a way that each of us can keep a check on our own spiritual progress. In his letter to Galatians, Paul lists the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (5:22, 23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This list of qualities, given by the Spirit, should be growing in our lives. The fruit of the spirit is evidence of God’s holiness at work in us (see page 10 of the main book). Spend some time individually considering the evidence of holiness in your life. Write down the list of the fruit of the Spirit on a piece of paper and put numbers 1-9 next to them – 1 being the quality that you feel is most evident in your life and 9 the least. Consider why this is. Note down some of your thoughts. Now take a look at these different areas of your life and think about how each relates to holiness: in holiness
– holy life – the evidence one
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The way I treat others… The things I say… The things I think… How I use my time… Complete this question as honestly as you can: what changes do I need to make in my life to become more holy? Write your answers down. Finally, think of someone you can tell about your decisions today who will help you try to live them out. It could be someone in your group, the youth leader or someone else in your corps. Write their name down on the paper and the time when you will talk with them. Finish with a time of group prayer. Give space for each person to share one thing they would like to work on in their lives, before bringing it to God and asking him to bear fruit in each person’s life.
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Set yourself a task to be completed by the time your group meets again. Ask everyone to join in so that you can all talk about it and find out how you got on. Decide on one of these two ideas: Homework: The Salvation Army is described as a ‘holiness movement’. It’s a big part of our history and heritage and many Army leaders have written about it. Try to do some research about what that means and how it relates to us today.
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WeB: Listen to Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle’s testimony about holiness: https://archive. org/details/SamuelLoganBrengle-TheWayOfHoliness-SalvationArmyCommissioner Books: These books are in easy-to-read modern language. Called to be God’s People, Robert Street, pages 63-68 (DVD also available) Holiness Unwrapped, Robert Street, pages 47-49 and 69-71 (DVD also available) The Uprising: A Holy Revolution, Olivia Munn and Stephen Court
If you have any questions contact: OneArmy@salvationarmy.org
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have you looked at ... the ‘In Culture’ feature on pages 12-15 of the main book?
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Think about this: if you became more holy, how might this influence your family, friends, youth group and classmates? And, if your youth group became more holy, how might it affect your corps, school and community? Would anything change from how things are at the moment? Write down some of your reflections or have a go at drawing a picture of how things could be.
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Take a look at the Scripture verses below that deal with holy living. Make a list of the qualities that God produces in those who follow him. Choose two or three in particular that you would like to see the Holy Spirit develop more in you. Take time every day this week to pray for these things to be displayed in your life. Keep a record of any changes that take place in you and opportunities that come your way when these qualities are required. Romans 12:9-21; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Matthew 5:28-42; Philippians 4:8
recommended resources for The series books The Bible The Salvation Army Year Book, Salvation Books, IHQ What and Why We Believe, Harry Dean, Salvation Books, IHQ From Generation to Generation, Robert and Janet Street, Salvation Books, IHQ The Life and Ministry of William Booth, Roger Green, Abingdon Press Never the Same Again, Shaw Clifton, Crest Books The Common People’s Gospel, Gunpei Yamamuro, Salvation Books, IHQ Holiness Unwrapped, IHQ and Australia Eastern Territory Born Again In The Spirit, Kapela Ntoya, Salvation Books, IHQ
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DVD Our People – The Remarkable Story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory this unit The General Next to God, Crest Books @TSAOneArmy Check with your own territorial or command headquarters for youth resources to add to this list. What resources would you add? Let us know by emailing OneArmy@salvationarmy.org or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ onearmy/resources Don’t forget that more ideas are in the Leader’s Manual. Some books are available in different languages. Please ask.
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