Uninterrupted victory over sin!

I came across this great quote the other day in the 'Orders and Regulations for Field Officers' (1908 edition):-

"Holiness is not an end of war with outward sin but a career of uninterrupted victory over it."

Isn't that a fantastic statement!

We should make 2009 the year of holiness.

Next year's Salvation Army Officer Cadet Session is called 'The ambassadors of holiness' so let's declare 2009 the year of holiness too.

15 years ago when I first got saved I hardly ever heard holiness mentioned but its status has been steadily increasing among Salvationists in the years since then – especially in the last decade.

What is holiness? It's not about asceticism, it's not about Puritanism, it's not about isolation – it's simply about supernatural victory over sin.

What is the central ingredient of Christmas?

When you consider the incarnation, the visit of the shepherds, the loyalty of Joseph, the obedience of the kings – what is the common denominator? The answer is the supernatural power of God.

What makes holiness possible? The answer is the same – the supernatural power of God.

When the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary the result was Christ – the most perfect and comprehensive expression of God's love there could ever be.

When the Holy Spirit descends upon us and we cry out with the same faith and courage as Mary did and say with absolute surrender 'let it be done to me as you have said' then Christ is born in us – 'Christ in us the hope of glory'!

Let's preach holiness.

Let's teach holiness.

Let's expect holiness.

Let's experience holiness.

For without it none of us will ever see God!

Grace and peace, A