The sermon was titled Holiness God’s Way Of Life, and Lieutenant Colonel Devon Haughton, chief secretary of the Salvation Army Caribbean territory, did justice to his message at the Salvation Army Church on Reed Street, The City, last Thursday night.
Haughton told his listeners that holiness was not only God’s way for individuals in this life, but also for them who will be with Christ in the life to come.
He described holiness as “having been made whole”, “complete”, “satisfied” and “to be set apart to be used by God”. He added that for believers to walk holy and live eternally with God, they must please Him in whatever they do, say and the way they live.
He joined with the Apostle Paul in declaring to his listeners: “But as He whom 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 (1 Peter 1:15-16).”
Haughton urged them not to conform to the evil desires they had before they came into a relationship with Christ, and to set their hope on the grace to be brought to them when Jesus Christ returned.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect,” he quoted from the Scriptures.
The preacher added: “A Christian who lives a life of holiness, which is a conscious decision to commit all to God, pleases Him in the things they say.
“Holiness of life also affects how we speak with and about each other. This holiness is also demonstrated in our service. A sanctified follower of Christ will become engaged in holy service for God all the days of his or her life. It is only when we accept, and by grace live out the fact that holiness is God’s way of life, that we can serve Him in holiness.”
The Salvation Army minister also stressed that holiness must be practical in order for it to be effective. He urged believers to commune daily with God, and to present their bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to Him.
He also pointed out there were rewards for such living.
“For those who have lived holy lives, there are rewards awaiting us when Christ returns. Matthew 13:43 says: ‘Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father’. The saints of every race will be gathered in Heaven with our God. There will be no more sorrow, no more heartache, no more sickness, no more pain. We will be forever with the Lord,” he concluded.
It was one of two week-night services held under the theme: Holiness – A Lifestyle. They both formed part of the Salvation’s Army annual Holiness Convention which climaxed yesterday with two services at Solidarity House. (CH)