True holiness, holiness as it is in Jesus

 

“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep My sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.” (Lev. 19:2-4).

 

“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” (1Pet. 1:15-17).

 

God waits for the restoration of the faith of Abraham, “My friend” (Isa. 41:8). Abraham had a holiness that loved excellence of character and was filled with affection. He longed to have a son of his own developing who he could fill with love to God and to man. And Isaac was given when Abraham was capable to accomplish his deepest desire. Isaac became just what his father had always envisioned—holy and just and full of tender love.

 

This is what God considers holiness. Anything less than a holiness filled with love is self-generated. It is not from above, but even devilish. It is self-righteousness. The God of powerful justice is the same God of powerful mercy. His strong justice is perfectly balanced with strong mercy. Never justice without mercy; and never mercy without justice, Abraham reflected our Father in heaven. Likewise with Christ, the seed of Isaac, was filled with truth and grace. He was filled with the affection of His Father in heaven, and the oil of His anointing was without measure. “Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into Thy lips: therefore God hath blessed Thee for ever…. And in Thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Thy right hand shall teach Thee terrible things…. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.” (Ps. 45:2, 4, 7).

 

Like His Father, there was four things that Jesus didn’t know: 1) there wasn’t a sin that He did not hate; 2) there wasn’t a sinner that He did not love; 3) there wasn’t a sin that He would not forgive; 4) there was never a better time than now.

 

He had the oil of joy above His disciples, and His infectious joy spread among them all.