Expert: Brian Thompson - 9/15/2010

Question
Hello and good day! I have a few questions on holiness that I would like for you to clarify for me, and what constitutes holiness as a born-again believer. Please support answers with scriptures. Thanks.
Question 1)What is the general definition of holiness? Can a church have their doctrine on holiness?
Question 2) What is the difference between sanctification and holiness?
Question 3) At what point will the Bride of Christ (the church) be made perfect?
Question 4) The gospel of salvation --- is this also known as the gospel of perfection?
I know that faith as a born-again believer is all about placing our trust in the redemptive work of Christ,(or acceptance of)the shed blood of Christ to cleanse us from our sins, and hope for salvation of our souls at the Lord's return. So my next question is:
Question 5)Since this is the whole framework for Christianity, is it safe then to say that the new believer can begin living a holy life by faith IN Christ?
Going back to part b. of question 1)whether a church can have their doctrine on holiness ---
Question 6) What is this new idea called outward holiness and why do some of the holiness churches advocate this?
Question 7) Is proper dressing as a Christian an issue with modesty or holiness?
AND Last but not least,
Question 8) Does outward holiness constitute works and if so, isn't works condemned in the Bible?
Thank you so much one again for your time!
In Christ our Lord,
Jennifer


Answer
Hi Jennifer

I'm not going to attempt to answer your questions in the context you have asked them because you can research all of this for yourself and I really don't have time to answer convoluted or detailed questions.

What all christians have to realise is that the work of Christ is a finished work so no amount of striving on our part can add to it. As Scripture tells us we have all fallen short and our righteousness is as filthy rags. We appropriate our salvation through our faith in Christ's redemptive work. We can only testify as what the blood has done for us, not in what we have done. There are certain guidances regarding our behaviour given in Scripture and we should follow these in the spirit they are given. For example if a Christian dresses immodestly then what is the point of claiming holiness? Works are a fruit of salvation. The Scripture tells us that our mind is renewed by the washing of the word. Holiness will be apparent in our attitudes and in our relationships remember what Scripture tells us is the fruit of the Spirit