Holiness Is Not for a Few Special Believers
Drawn from the teaching of Professor Gary S. Maxey · 2 min read
A common picture of church life divides Christians into two groups. The ordinary believers are saved. A small, serious group goes further. Holiness is something for them.
Professor Gary Maxey calls this a huge mistake the church has made over the centuries. In his book on the Highway of Holiness, he writes that holiness is not a special garment worn by a select few. It is the birthright and possession of all believers. The Highway is for all God's children, without exception.
Where the Bible stands
Professor Maxey notes how Paul addresses ordinary churches. He calls the believers brothers about one hundred times in his letters. He calls them saints, which means holy ones, about forty times. Even the Corinthians, whom he rebuked for many failures, are addressed as those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2).
In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul lists their former lives. Some were sexually immoral, idolaters, thieves and drunkards. Then he says, "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Professor Maxey reads this as the ordinary starting point of the Christian life.
The danger of the two-class church
Once holiness is for a few, everyone else receives permission to be casual. The ordinary believer thinks, "That is for pastors and prayer warriors. I am only a member." Sin stays in the pew with a clear conscience.
Professor Maxey wants that excuse removed. God does not give two kinds of commands. He says, "Be holy, for I am holy" to the whole people (1 Peter 1:16).
Called to a life
Professor Maxey points out that Peter's call is addressed to obedient children. The same God who called us out of rebellion is holy. The purpose of bringing us into relationship with himself is deep fellowship, and that requires shared character. He asks, with Amos, "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3).
What follows for the ordinary believer
Holiness does not belong to a title. A mother in a market stall, a driver and a student can all walk the Highway. The question is not who you are. The question is whether you have been pardoned, washed, and have begun to follow Christ's steps.
Today, ask God one question and listen without hurrying. "What have I told myself is only for other people?" Then write down what you hear.
Drawn from the teaching of Professor Gary S. Maxey.
