Redemption does not merely allow believers to attain heaven after live on the earth; rather, it transforms the earth into heaven for believers Rms. 10:6-8. As one hymn writer puts it:

Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul

When at the cross my Savior, made me whole

My sins were washed away, and my night was turned to day

Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul.

Heaven epitomizes beauty and splendor, which transforms a believer’s life into one of beauty and glory at salvation Rev. 21:9-17; Psa. 47:8. Scripture establishes that holiness is the only access to heaven, and the secret behind the beauty 2Cor. 6:17-18; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Mat. 7:21-23; Psa. 96:9; 29:1-2.

How Beautiful or Glorious is Holiness?

1. It Secures Divine Presence.

Our God is a thrice holy God Rev. 4:8. To secure God’s presence, one must possess the same nature of holiness Amos 3:3; Isa. 6:3. One of the great benefits of holiness is that it secures divine presence, which makes all the difference in life Rms. 8:31.

2. It Ensures Access to Favor.

Favor is the escape route from labor, struggles, and hardship on the earth Psa. 44:3; Exo. 3:21. Righteousness is the access to divine favor Psa. 5:12; Dan. 1:8; 2:30-48; 6:1-5,28.

Exposing Controlling Powers.

Several spirits operate behind the scene, trapping believers in sin.

1. Unclean Spirit.

These spirits influence individuals to commit unreasonable and detestable acts without shame Mat. 12:43-45. The remedy is to take authority over them using the name of Jesus to cast them out Mk. 16:17.

2. Spirit of Bondage.

These spirits influence individuals to become addicted to ungodly things, and  habit Rms. 8:15; 1:28. The remedy is to consciously avoid every ungodly thing Isa. 52:2-3.

3. Spirit of idolatry.

These spirits make individuals perceive God as unable or unfaithful, prompting them to seek alternatives Exo. 20:3-5; 1Cor. 10:10. The remedy is to make commitment to and serve God alone Jos. 24:5.

4. Spirit of covetousness.

These spirits cause individuals to judge God as too slow, leading them to seek ‘faster’ solution Lk. 12:15. The remedy is to choose contentment 1Tim. 6:6.

5. Spirit of Whoredom.

These spirits influence sexual perversion; and engaging the body for ungodly sexual pleasure Hos. 5:4. The remedy is to take a stand for sanctification 1Ths. 4:3.

6. Spirit of Rebellion

These spirits influence individuals to resist God’s instruction and constituted authority Num. 10:1-3,30-31; Lk. 22:30. The remedy is to obey God and those in authority 1Sam. 15:22-23.

7. Seducing Spirits and Doctrines of the Devil.

These spirits lead individuals to view God’s word as lies, creating man-made principles contrary to God’s law 1Tim. 4:1-2. The remedy is to receive and obey God’s word Mat. 4:4.

8. Spirit of the World.

These spirits influence individuals to value worldly things above God and kingdom things 1Jn. 2:15-16; 1Cor. 2:12. The remedy is to love God and His kingdom above all Mat. 22:37-39.

Conquering Controlling Powers.

To break free from these controlling powers, consider the following.

1. Engage the Shield of Faith.

The shield of faith can quench all the fiery darts of the devil Eph. 6:16. Every provision of scripture require faith for delivery, sanctification inclusive Isa. 53:1-2; Lk. 1:45. The scriptures repeatedly state that “the just shall live by faith” Hab. 2:4; Rms. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38. Therefore, a sanctified life is possible only through faith Heb. 11:5-6.

Faith is a personal responsibility built with the word of God Rms. 10:17. Every believer must engage with the bible to build his faith for holiness.

Conclusion.

God has ordained believers for an earthly experience of heaven through redemption, but holiness is essential to make it a reality 2Tim. 2:19-21. A believer merely existing has missed out on this vital foundation.

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, cause every spirit of sin to lose their power over my life 3:3-4.
2. Father, by the help of the Holy Spirit, my body is dead to sin from this moment 6:2,7.
3. Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit I shall walk in holiness all my days from today 8:11.