The Marks of the Church
The Holiness of the Church
A Holy Nation
Description
The church is called to be holy, set apart from the world for God's purposes. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. Christ gave Himself for the church that He might sanctify and cleanse her. The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit—God's dwelling place. Therefore we are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The church must maintain moral purity through discipline, putting away from yourselves that wicked person. Holiness is not optional but essential to the church's identity.
Key Verses
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.