At one time there was a great deal of interest in the topic of holiness-but not so much anymore. Theological wrangling and impossible legalism has left many in the church frustrated and confused, with part of that confusion arising from idealism in the pulpit that rang hollow in the lives and experiences of ordinary believers. But what if there was significant help from God in the enterprise of living a morally triumphant life, where habitual sinning was not inevitable, and where the development of godly character was possible and found through a maturing relationship with God and growth in the Christian life? The apostle Paul certainly thought so.
In Help for Holiness, author and senior pastor Paul F. Evans revisits the topic of holiness and explores Paul's admonition that believers shouldn't seek more rules (legalism) nor give in to moral pessimism that says we cannot help but sin every day in word, thought, and deed. Instead, through morally transformative justification and regeneration, followed by a commitment to the crucifixion of the old life in the death of Christ, we can be raised to new life, which, through ongoing surrender to the Spirit, can in fact produce the conduct and character God is looking for.
In this postmodern world, we do not need to abandon an emphasis on righteous and holy living-God really has made a provision for us to succeed morally. Holiness was started by grace, and God will complete it in us by grace through the Spirit!
