In a world where moral boundaries are constantly shifting, I have learnt that it is crucial for believers to return to the ancient landmarks of holiness and righteousness. When we read through scriptures, we see in Proverbs 22:28, a solemn instruction from God to "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."
I have come to learn that these landmarks are standards and principles. They are not just some old, random traditions; they are God’s eternal standards that define how we should live as His people.
What then, is Holiness?
There is a whole web of content defining holiness, but for the purpose of this article, I will redefine it again. To this end, holiness simply means being set apart for God. 1 Peter 1:16 reminds us, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” It is not about external appearances alone but a heart that is fully surrendered to God.
What Does Righteousness Mean?
Righteousness, on the other hand, is right standing with God, made possible through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Holiness is how we live; righteousness is our position in Christ.
Places in the Scriptures Where God Upholds Holiness
Holiness is central to God's nature, and He calls His people to uphold it. The Bible provides several instances where God emphasizes the importance of holiness:
- Leviticus 19:2 – "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'"
- Isaiah 6:3 – The seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"
- Hebrews 12:14 – "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
- 1st Peter 1:15-16 – "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"
These scriptures show that holiness is not just an Old Testament command but remains vital under the New Covenant.
The Sons of Aaron Who Offered Strange Fire (Leviticus 10:1-3)
Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, attempted to worship God in a way He did not command. They offered "strange fire" on the altar, and as a result, fire came from the Lord and consumed them.
Leviticus 10:1-3 – "Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord."
This tragic event teaches that worship must align with God's standards. Holiness demands reverence and obedience, not self-made practices. True righteousness means approaching God on His terms, not ours.
For I Am Holy…..
The phrase "For I am holy" appears multiple times in the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus, where God sets the standard of holiness for His people. Key references include:
Leviticus 11:44-45 – "For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy..."
Leviticus 19:2 – "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."
Leviticus 20:26 – "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy..."
This phrase is a constant reminder that holiness is God's expectation, not an option.
Holiness Within vs Holiness Without?
True holiness starts in the heart but must reflect in outward conduct. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for outward righteousness without inward transformation:
Matthew 23:27-28 – "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness."
However, holiness is not merely internal. A genuinely transformed heart produces a life that honors God in speech, dress, and conduct:
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Holiness is both inward and outward. One should not contradict the other.
Read: 17 Lessons from the Life of the Prodigal Son
Holiness and Righteousness, Any Difference?
Holiness and righteousness are interconnected but distinct. As we have discussed earlier in this article, holiness in this context refers to being set apart for God, and living in utmost purity, thus maintaining your consecration to God.
Righteousness means being in right standing with God, which comes through faith and obedience.
Scriptural insights:
Genesis 15:6 – "And he [Abraham] believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." Faith leads to righteousness.
Ephesians 4:24 – "Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
A person cannot be truly righteous before God without holiness, and holiness cannot be complete without righteousness. They are two sides of the same coin and both are required for a life that pleases God.
Why the Landmark Must Not Be Removed
There are a few core reasons why
1.God’s Standard Does Not Change
God is consistent. The world may redefine morality, but God remains the same (Malachi 3:6). His call to holiness is timeless.
2.Holiness and Righteousness Lead to True Fellowship with God
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
3.The Landmark Preserves Our Testimony
When we live righteously, we shine as lights in the world (Matthew 5:16), drawing others to Christ.
How to Uphold the Landmark
There are three core ways to uphold the Landmark
- Live by the Word (Psalm 119:9) – The Bible is our guide for holy living.
- Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – The Holy Spirit helps us overcome sin.
- Be Accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith.
Final Thoughts
Holiness and righteousness are not outdated concepts; they are the foundations of a life that pleases God. In an ever-changing world, let us hold fast to this ancient landmark, knowing that our God remains faithful to those who walk in His ways.
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