The Call to Holiness

'This is the will of God, even your sanctification' (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

In the Tait Chapel at Fulham Palace, London, is a mural by Brian Thomas that depicts the command of Jesus to His disciples:' Go into all the world, and preach the gospel.' Below is portrayed the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, by whose power the command could be fulfilled. But among the group in the Upper Room is a man in the dress of our own age.

One observer viewing the artist’s painting commented, “Is not this touch of modernity  saying that the presence of the Holy Spirit is to every generation and for all?”  

The artist seems to be saying through his depiction that such experience is not the fancy of a small group of Christian eccentrics, nor the exclusive concern of a select group of disciples. I think that he is saying that holiness should always be considered in its proper setting—as an integral part of the redemptive purpose of God for all humankind. Rightly understood it is the one serious attempt which believers may make (as God shall help them) to translate the spirit ofJesus into a recognisable pattern of Christian behaviour.

Two week known Christian’s from different traditions speak of scriptural holiness in a similar way.  Firstly, Mother Teresa “Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things. It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends us. It consists in accepting and following the will of God.” And secondly A. W. Tozer “Holiness, as taught in the Scriptures, is not based upon knowledge on our part. Rather, it is based upon the resurrected Christ in-dwelling us and changing us into His likeness.” 

A 20th century hymn writer put it this way.

To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
In every thought and deed,
This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me,
Like him I'll be.

John Gowans (1934-2012)