Salvation is God’s call into the life of glory and beauty Rms. 8:28-30; 2Pet. 1:3. Scripture states categorically that at the root of glory and beauty is holiness Exo. 15:11; Psa. 96:9. Holiness is not a gift but a spiritual virtue, demanding our exercise 1Tim. 4:8. Therefore, we need a good understanding of how to exercise ourself in holiness.

How Beautiful and Glorious is Holiness?

This is to stir our consciousness to pursue it.

1. Secures access to revelation.

Revelation is the spiritual understanding of God’s word, empowering the believer to shine in darkness and soar in life Isa. 60:1-3,8. Holiness grants access to revelation Mk. 4:11; Rev. 22:15; 2Pet. 2:22.

2. Ensures profitable stewardship.

Stewardship is the most profitable human venture on the earth Exo. 23:25-26; Job 36:11. It takes holiness for stewardship to deliver profit Heb. 12:28; Mat. 7:21-23. Every believer desiring a life of glory and beauty must adopt holiness as their lifestyle.

Exploring Controlling Powers.

Behind sin, unrighteousness, and ungodliness is Satan, who manipulates through foul spirits Rms. 7:15-16,19-20. These foul spirits are controlling powers behind sin.

1. Unclean spirits.

The Bible identifies unclean spirits that drive individuals to commit unclean acts without shame Mat. 10:1; 12:43-45; Zch. 3:3-5. An example is the man of Gadarenes Mk. 5:2-3,15.

2. Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

These spirits lead men to see scriptures as lies, luring them to act contrary to God’s word 2Ths. 2:11; 1Tim. 4:1-2; 1Jn. 5:18. An example is Eve’s deception in Eden Gen. 3:1.

3. Spirit of the world.

These spirits cause men to value worldly things over the kingdom 1Jn. 2:15-16; 1Cor. 2:12. An example of is Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11.

Conquering Controlling Powers.

These controlling powers can be conquered, making it possible to walk in holiness. We conquer these spirits through the forces of the Spirit Rms. 8:1-2.

1. The Anointing.

The anointing, the Holy Spirit at work in the believer destroys the power of the devil Isa. 10:27; 59:19. We can engage the anointing to gain freedom from controlling powers and walk in holiness Jn. 14:26; Psa. 24:7-10.

2. The Spirit of revelation.

This Spirit grants believers access to the realm of revelation Eph. 1:17-18; 1Cor. 2:1012; Jn. 14:26. The siege of the powers of darkness is destroyed, enabling holiness Isa. 60:1-3.

3. The Spirit of love.

This empowers believers to bond with God, rescuing them from every trap of Satan 1Cor. 2:9; Rms. 5:5; Mat. 22:36-40.

The Way Out.

For those caught in sin and ungodliness, what is the way out?

1. Understand Holiness as a Progressive Disposition.

Holiness is not a state of perfection, but a hunger and thirst after righteousness Mat. 5:8; Php. 3:13-14.

2. Repentance is the Escape Route.

Repentance involves acknowledging one’s sinful life, feeling godly sorrow, and choosing to quit sinning 2Cor. 7:1,10; 1Jn. 1:10. It remains the way out of every form of filthiness.

In conclusion, Jesus Christ established the believer’s victory over sin and empowered them to walk in true holiness Rms. 6:14. It is every believer’s responsibility to exercise themselves for the reality of victory over sin. Achieving this will lead to experiencing heaven on earth in life!

Salvation Prayer.

To anyone reading this who desires to give their life to Christ, pray this prayer out loud with me from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you today. Forgive me my sins; wash me with your blood. I believe you died for me; on the third day you rose again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe that my sins are forgiven; I’m justified by your blood; I’m born-again; I’m saved; I’m a child of God; I’m free from the power of sin to serve the living God. Thank you, Jesus, for receiving me; thank you Jesus for restoring me; thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen!”

Prayer.

1. Father, in the name of Jesus, fill me afresh with your Spirit and cause sin to lose its dominion over my life from today 6:14.
2. Father, baptize me with the Spirit of revelation and love, thereby empower me for victory over every controlling power 8:2.
3. Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, holiness becomes my lifestyle, resulting in my experience of heaven’s beauty and glory in all areas of my life from now 15:11.