Reason 7: Loved by God and Made Holy

REASON 7
WHY GOD BECAME MAN

Loved by God and Made Holy

John 3:14-16
“14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

What is Eternal Life?

John 3:16 is one of the most popular and quoted verses in the Bible. The words are so familiar that we don’t even think about the depth of meaning behind them. The meaning can easily be distorted and the impact weakened. John 3:16 sums up one of the most fundamental beliefs of Christianity: the depth of God’s love is “He gave His only Son.” What does John 3:16 mean for our lives? And how does this powerful verse affect our lives?

The sacrifice was intended so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. What does it mean to have eternal life? Most people don’t know what the Bible means when it talks about eternal life. If asked, they would probably say, “Eternal life is living forever.” This secularized view of the term “eternal” emphasizes “a life without end,” suggesting that when life ends in one realm, it continues in another. This is a far cry from the truth.

The Bible refutes such view and teaches that those who do not believe in Christ will experience “eternal life” by enduring the wrath of God. Thus, the concept of eternal life is not limited to an enduring consciousness alone. It is different from mere existence without an endpoint, and it transcends the notions of “I know that I am” and “I am forever.”

Eternal life is not compatible
with the idea of
“a life of happiness
apart from God.”

Sadly, too many Christians who indulge in worldly pleasures hope that in eternity they will finally achieve the satisfaction they sought on Earth, a life of eternal bliss untouched by suffering. This secular definition of eternal life focuses on endless happiness without hindrance and certainly without God. This idea is similar to that of those who do not know God, who seek a comfortable life of abundance without suffering.

In essence, what is believed to be eternal life is an ideal life of minimal suffering and maximum happiness. It is time to take a step back and question this belief. A deep understanding of happiness and suffering is often lost on many people, so it is necessary to re-evaluate these concepts from a biblical perspective. The Bible, however, describes eternal life very differently.

The Historical Perspective of Happiness

In ancient times, happiness was associated with virtue and the pursuit of excellence. Philosophers such as Aristotle claimed that true happiness could only be achieved by living a virtuous life. The key to this is the state of our soul. True happiness could not be found in external achievements, but rather in the cultivation of virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, self-control, and so on.

It is useless to have good physical well-being if the soul lacks these virtues. Therefore, the important task is to pursue endeavors that bring happiness to the soul and train the body to achieve holistic well-being. The ultimate goal is to achieve a serene life free from suffering and to maximize happiness. This is “happiness” in the classical sense.

Misconception of Happiness

It’s important to understand that the concept of “happiness” in the ancient world and in the Bible was not the same as it is often understood today. Misunderstanding God’s promises in the Bible can lead to dangerous misconceptions. Equating happiness solely with wealth may result in a misinterpretation of God’s promise, assuming it refers only to material prosperity.

Similarly, associating happiness with freedom from sickness could lead to the idea that sickness is a curse and health is a blessing. This mindset could further misinterpret the relationship with God by assuming that sickness indicates distance from God, while closeness to God guarantees freedom from sickness. Modern Christians, including those of the Reformed faith, often question God in the face of illness.

Most church members
have accepted unbiblical traditions
without question or investigation.

While Reformed preaching may initially resonate, many experience a crisis of faith when their beliefs are put to the test. It becomes apparent that their Reformed beliefs remain theoretical and haven’t manifested themselves in their lives. The continuing influence of traditional concepts of happiness, suffering, joy, and fear becomes apparent. Consequently, a careful re-examination of all the major issues in the Bible is necessary in order to properly understand its teachings.

Eternal Life in John’s Gospel

Eternal life transcends perpetual enjoyment of worldly pleasures and freedom from suffering. The Gospel of John provides a profound insight into the nature of eternal life. The context of John 3:16 unfolds in the story of Jesus and a man named Nicodemus.

2 He came to Jesus at night and said,
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God.
For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you,
no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?”
Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you,
no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases.
You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.
So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus,
“and do you not understand these things?”
(John 3:2-10)

Born from Above

The Bible speaks of being “born from above” in several passages. The most famous is John 3, which records Jesus’ dialogue with the Pharisee, Nicodemus. Jesus implied that Nicodemus, as a teacher in Israel, should have understood the concept of being “born from above,” and he should have understood what it meant to be born of the Spirit. Obviously, Jesus was referring to the Old Testament. The Old Testament is the key to our understanding.

The book of Genesis often alludes to the concept of being born from above. This idea is exemplified by the choice of Isaac over Ishmael. Isaac embodies a covenant that descends from God to Abraham, from above to below. The same is true of  the “True Israelite” identity, which transcends mere lineage.

To be born from above
means to be formed, called, and
become part of the people
from the divine realm.

Jesus helped Nicodemus understand by referring to Israel’s history.  He used a story similar to the one in Numbers, where God taught them about faith by having them look at a bronze serpent on a wooden pole. Jesus compared His death on the cross to the lifted serpent.

Testing in the Wilderness

In Numbers 21, the Israelites grew impatient and grumbled against God and Moses about their food. They expressed their desire to return to Egypt. In response, God sent venomous snakes to punish them. The snakes bit the people, and many Israelites died. As an antidote, God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at it and live.

The passage in Deuteronomy 8:1-5 clarifies that the wilderness period was not only a punishment but also a test. God led the Israelites into the wilderness to test them. How can we reconcile this passage with James 1:13, which states that God cannot be tempted by evil and does not tempt anyone? How can we bring these two passages together? James addressed believers who had succumbed to sin and falsely accused God. Sin is never God’s fault. It is their evil desire that tempts them. These passages do not contradict each other.

People fall into sin
because of their own lusts and desires,
not because of God.

Desires can lead to a fall and indicate distance from God. God provides an environment where we face temptations, but He would never tempt anyone to sin. Trials are brought to strengthen and purify our faith, not to tempt us to sin. It is crucial to understand this concept, especially in light of Deuteronomy.

Why Does God Allow Temptations?

God tempts people to discern the faithful from the unfaithful. Trials reveal the faithful. Deuteronomy 8 explains that this is to teach that human existence is sustained not only by material provisions, but also by the Word of God. This process continues today.

Every temptation tests our faith and love for God. Those who lack steadfastness may forsake God when faced with the lure of worldly pleasures. Fragile commitment to God is shown in this day and age as people choose careers, wealth, and pleasures over alignment with God’s will.

God will test us,
just as He tested Israel,
to determine who truly belongs to Him,
and who does not.

God’s test takes place in the wilderness. Individuals are faced with a choice: they can seek only physical nourishment like bread, or they can prioritize seeking the Word of God. The challenge lies in one’s commitment and priority. The crucial question for each person is whether they are committed and disciplined enough to declare, ‘I seek Your Word above all else.’ It takes courage and unwavering commitment to place God’s Word above all other pursuits.

Holiness is Essential

Throughout Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, there is a consistent theme of God’s desire to impart His holiness to Israel. Leviticus 19 emphasizes this call to holiness: “You shall be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy.” When God called the Israelites out of slavery and the decay of pagan Egyptian culture, He called them to be holy like Him. They were set apart and distinguished from all the other nations of the world. God called them to be different from the pagan culture around them. They were to worship and serve Him alone.

Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers teach us to embrace holiness and recognize it as a source of joy.  When we come to Christ, He calls us to follow Him. Living a holy life is what it means to follow Christ.

The more we rejoice in Christ
and say “no” to the temptations
of this world,
the more we grow in holiness.

Distractions in life are abundant, and there are countless enjoyable things to do. However, it is important to not let these temporary pleasures consume all of our time, preventing us from enjoying God’s Word.   It is crucial to recognize the value of God’s Word in our daily lives and ask ourselves if we truly take pleasure in it. The appeal of God’s Word lies in its ability to guide individuals towards holy living.

To enjoy God and holiness,
we must immerse ourselves
in the Word and
gain a deep understanding
of its complexities.

In the end, it comes down to a choice. As God’s people, let us choose to avoid worldly pleasures and things that do not please God, and instead pursue holiness.

Eternal Life and Holiness

In John 3:16, the term ‘one and only Son’ refers to Jesus Christ. This is further explained in John 1:14, which states that ‘The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.’ Deuteronomy 8:2-3 also emphasizes that God led the people in the wilderness for forty years to teach them that human existence is sustained not only by bread, but also by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

The significance of this passage is that the Word of God, represented in the person of Jesus Christ, is essential for the spiritual sustenance and holiness of God’s people. John emphasizes the intrinsic connection between eternal life and holy living. In other words, eternal life is not something to wait for after death; it is something you have now if you believe in Jesus.

Those who truly believe
that Jesus Christ came to this earth
to die for our sins
will strive to stop living in sin.

Many Christians believe that Jesus died to forgive their sins, but they do not live in holiness. They think that holiness is only for Heaven, and they are satisfied with just singing songs about what a great day it will be when we all get to Heaven. However, John’s perspective balances eternal life with holy living.

According to John’s gospel, the biblical concept of Heaven involves the perfect enjoyment of the holiness that one has embraced in the present. It is not a promise of worldly prosperity or recognition. This highlights the significance of living in holiness as an essential aspect of salvation. If one lacks a desire for holiness, they may not yet be a part of eternal life and may not be saved.

Those who do not value
living a holy life and
cherishing the holiness of God,
will not have eternal life.

God’s love for the world is evident in His willingness to give us His greatest gift: His holiness. Leviticus 19:1 emphasizes this idea by stating, ‘You shall be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy.’ God maintains the holiness of His people through trials and tribulations, as exemplified in the wilderness. This process is designed to make everyone realize that they need God’s Word to live a truly holy life.

Love and Holiness

The connection between God’s love and holiness is evident in John’s statement, “The Word became flesh.” This emphasizes the indispensable need for the Word, for Christ, in order to truly live. Throughout the Bible, numerous passages underscore the intimate relationship between God’s love and His call to holiness, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these fundamental aspects of faith.

Leviticus 10 illustrates God’s holiness through a sudden and severe judgment. Aaron’s two sons were killed on the spot for offering unauthorized fire, which was met with unquenchable fire. The holy place, including the tabernacle, is strictly off-limits, and anyone who enters without proper authorization risks divine punishment. The death of Aaron’s sons serves as an example of the sanctity of the tabernacle. It is demonstrated that even priests who enter without proper preparation face the severe consequence of death.

Following the death of Aaron’s sons, God reminded Aaron through Moses that ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified.’ The reason for their death was not due to any visible evidence of sin, but rather because of the close relationship Aaron had with God. Their fatal mistake of offering an unauthorized fire, while their motivation was still unclear, led to their deaths because they violated the sanctity of the sanctuary.

Fallen man, tainted by sin,
cannot see God’s glory
without facing death.

Sinful men cannot enter God’s dwelling place without dire consequences. Only Christ Himself has the right to enter. Man can truly see and enjoy the presence of God in all His glory only through the gift of new bodies.

God’s fiery intervention resulted in the fatal judgment of Aaron’s sons. This serves as a solemn reminder of the sanctity and exclusivity of God’s dwelling place. It also highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and following His prescribed ordinances.

Intimacy and Holiness

In Leviticus 10:3, God teaches an important lesson by stating that He will reveal His glory to those who are close to Him. The Hebrew word for ‘close’ is ‘qarob,’ which can be translated as ‘the closest person’ or ‘companion.’ Essentially, God is saying that because Aaron is His friend, He has high expectations for him. This expectation extends to all who are close to God.

God demands holiness
as an expression of His love.

Holiness enriches and fulfills human life, while a life steeped in sin lacks true enjoyment and joy. The call to repentance and holiness is universal, reaching people of all ages and walks of life. The message is clear: a life steeped in sin is like the life of an animal, lacking true joy. We are invited to repent and return to a life of holiness for true fulfillment and joy.

The fulfillment
and enjoyment of life
is found only in holiness.

Moses was instructed by God to inform Aaron that He had revealed His holiness. Those who desire to be friends with God should anticipate strict discipline. In Acts 9, Ananias questioned God’s selection of Paul due to his past persecution of Christians. However, God’s response revealed a profound truth: Paul’s suffering was not a result of God’s wrath, but rather because he was a friend of God. This implies that being a friend of God comes with the potential for challenge, suffering, and discipline.

This concept emphasizes that those who seek to be God’s friends can live joyfully through holiness. Holiness involves enduring God’s refining fire, facing temptation, undergoing trials, accepting discipline, and living out God’s teachings. The end result is the ability to live joyfully in a holy life because those who are God’s friends are ordained by God to experience and enjoy holiness.

God loves us by giving us the best:
holiness.

Understanding God’s love for humanity requires recognizing holiness as a precious gift from Him. God’s nature is to give the best to those He loves, and in His wisdom, holiness is the ultimate gift. The commandment to ‘Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy’ expresses this truth. While health and wealth may not always be provided, the gift of holiness remains paramount. God’s perspective transcends the world’s obsession with wealth; to Him, the state of holiness is the most important thing.

We Are to Be Holy

John links eternal life and holiness in his reference to the themes found in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. God explicitly desires holiness for the Israelites in these books. The incident of the serpent biting the Israelites in response to their trials and failures provides the backdrop. Being born again by the Holy Spirit illuminates the way back to God’s holiness.

To be born again from above, one must look at the bronze serpent lifted up on the pole. This image is reminiscent of the Old Testament narrative and signifies the restoration of God’s holiness to those who have fallen into sin. The call to holiness echoes the biblical injunction, ‘Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy.

God loves humanity
and desires for us to be holy.

God invites us to abandon the pursuit of sin and worldly pleasures. True joy is found only in God’s holiness. Leaving behind a life of sin is rooted in the understanding that such pursuits lead to misery rather than true fulfillment.

The Sanctification of Man

The Bible presents the concept of holiness in two stages. The first stage refers to a person’s status. If a person falls into sin, no matter how pious they were, it is impossible for them to regain their holiness. This is illustrated by the analogy of a person having premarital sex; once tainted by sin, there is no way to restore holiness.

Sin damages
our relationship with God.
Only redemption can repair
this broken relationship.

The theme of corruption is a crucial aspect of comprehending the Bible’s teachings on sin and holiness. Some religions do not take sin and God’s holiness seriously.  They may not fully understand the extent to which sin impacts their relationship with God. The belief is that one can be accepted by God by striving to forsake sin. Therefore, striving to live a virtuous life and working diligently to overcome sin is considered the path to achieving holiness and reconciliation with God.

While it may be easy for the human conscience to accept such teachings, they should be criticized because they undermine the value and sanctity of God’s holiness. God’s desire for humanity to live in holiness required Him to send His only Son to die on the cross, as a sacrifice to restore humanity to its original state of holiness. This act was emphasized as the only way for humanity to be restored to a state of holiness.

Do not believe in teachings
that propose alternative paths
to holiness,
such as the ability to prophesy,
or attain righteousness
through certain actions like charity.

The coming of Christ was a pivotal moment in salvation in which humanity was granted a new holiness, made possible by Christ’s own holiness. Christ’s incarnation and sacrificial act on the cross are presented as the means by which humanity receives the precious gift of holiness, which is the perfection of human life.

If we lose our holiness,
we cannot regain it ourselves.
Only God can replace
our uncleanness with holiness
through the sacrifice of Jesus
on the cross.

Sanctification by Faith in Christ

Martin Luther expressed God’s work as ‘a very happy exchange,’ reflecting the profound idea of joy and benefit for both humanity and Christ. This exchange is considered happy for Christ because of His immense love for us. God’s willingness to take on our sins and die on the cross is a powerful expression of His great love.

The narrative of Jesus’ sacrifice can be explained to a non-Christian by emphasizing that Jesus died for everyone, including them, and that his death offers salvation and the opportunity to live a holy life. By emphasizing the universal nature of Jesus’ sacrifice, a clear connection is made between the individual and the transforming power of Christ’s sacrifice.

Jesus’ death on the cross
is a profound act
that allows each person
to share in the holiness given by God,
the summit of human life.
It is not just a historical event.

This exchange is truly blissful because it brings salvation and the possibility of a holy life to those who believe.

The Joy of Holiness

The significance of Jesus’ incarnation is emphasized in the context of demonstrating the joy and happiness of living in holiness. By embodying holiness in His life, He set an example for humanity. Although the word “holy” is used only four times in John’s gospel, the narrative consistently emphasizes aspects related to holiness: eternal life, abundant life, abiding in God, and knowing God. These concepts, when aligned with the themes in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, reveal a deep connection to holiness.

Those who follow Christ’s example
also share in His holiness.

In John’s passages, the Father is referred to as holy. For instance, in John 17:11, Jesus addresses the Father as ‘Holy Father.’ Additionally, the Holy Spirit is mentioned in John 1:33 and 20:22, emphasizing the holiness of the third person of the Holy Trinity. The term ‘holy’ is used sparingly, but it is consistently reserved for the persons of the Holy Trinity: the Holy Father, Jesus as the Holy One of God (John 6:69), and the Holy Spirit.

Through His death, Jesus gave humanity a share in His divinity, offering everyone the opportunity to live in holiness. John’s statement emphasizes the transformative nature of Christ’s sacrifice.

We share in God’s holiness
through Jesus’ death,
which brings us true joy
and the fullness of life.

It’s important to know that Satan works tirelessly to lure humanity into sin, which ultimately leads to its destruction. Living in sin creates the illusion of goodness and happiness, but the true reality is that humanity is in decline and destruction. In contrast, living in holiness brings unshakable joy despite the challenges we may face.

Living a Holy Life

In John 12, Jesus used a metaphor to explain that His death was necessary for the kingdom of God and the gift of life.  He compared Himself to a seed that must die underground to become the source of life. The text emphasizes this principle:

“One can ultimately find life
by being willing to lose it.”

Christ’s death reflects a sacrificial nature, demonstrating that surrendering one’s desires and submitting to the transforming power of Christ leads to true life.

Living is not only about breathing,
but also about making
a sacred commitment to God,
which brings perfection to life.

“ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)

The analogy of the two springs of water in the city of Laodicea illustrates the importance of having a clear identity in serving God. Cold water serves a specific purpose, while hot water serves another. However, when the two streams of water mix, their effectiveness is diminished, resulting in lukewarm water. This image conveys the idea that a life lived in neutrality, negating the call to serve God, can render one’s purpose ineffective.

The Son of God became a sacrifice
so that we could be brought into
the holiness of God.
He also became an example for us
to live a holy life.

The Laodiceans were urged to acknowledge their calling and avoid living in a way that contradicts it. Sin can nullify God’s calling on our lives. The promise of salvation is given to enable us to live holy lives and reflect God’s holiness.

We are invited to live in God’s holiness, recognizing that the fulfillment of His promises can only be fully enjoyed through Christ. God desires His people to live in fullness, which is only found in His holiness.

Christ’s sacrificial act on the cross
changes our status, makes us holy.
This sets the stage for us
to live a life of holiness.

God’s commandments, delivered through His Word, provide guidance for living a holy life and enjoying His blessings. Renouncing sin, prioritizing love for God and others, and embodying obedience and sacrifice are key to a life closely associated with holiness. This message reminds us of God’s great love and grace, emphasizing the abundance of grace He bestows on His people through holiness.