Highway to Holiness 2024

I have been fortunate to journey on stunning highways throughout my life. From the grandeur of Eastern mountains to the awe-inspiring rock formations of desert badlands, these scenic wonders never fail to leave me breathless. In the realm of Christian living, there exists a majestic path awaiting our journey. This path, known as the highway of holiness, has been meticulously crafted and ordained for us to traverse.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, I extend an invitation to you, fellow travelers on the highway of holiness, to renew and refresh your journey. Let us enter this new chapter with hearts full of faith, undeterred by the trials of the past, and invigorated by the promises of the future. The road of righteousness beckons us once again, whispering the sweet assurance of Isaiah 35:8, "And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way." Let the echoes of God's word guide your steps, for the path we tread is sanctified, carved out by the divine for the faithful who dare to dream, dare to hope, and dare to believe. So let us march forward with renewed vigor, for our journey towards holiness awaits us in the bright dawn of this upcoming year.

This verse speaks of the journey of living a holy life according to Scripture. It is not an easy path, but one that leads to great blessings and eternal life with God.

The Way of Holiness, as charted in Isaiah 35:8, can be distinguished by three crucial facets of the spiritual journey.

First, it calls for self-surrender. In taking this divine route, we are encouraged to relinquish our own desires and will, and instead, yield to the will of God. It is in this act of surrender that we begin to truly walk in the faith, not guided by our own understanding but by the divine wisdom of the Lord. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Secondly, this holy path necessitates heart cleansing. We are reminded in the scriptures that "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Purification of the heart is not just a symbolic act; it is a commitment to put away sin and worldly desires that may inhibit our journey on the Highway of Holiness.

Lastly, to travel this road, one must be spirit-filled. The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and empowerer on this path. Being spirit-filled is not merely about spiritual highs or emotional experiences; it is about allowing the Holy Spirit to take control, leading us, transforming us, and enabling us to live a life that glorifies God.

As we consider embarking on this divine journey, we can appreciate the distinct opportunities presented to us for entering this Way of Holiness.

First, As Promised by the Father: The Highway of Holiness is not an abstract concept; it is a reality promised by our Heavenly Father. God assured us in Exodus 19:5-6, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This promise accentuates that our dedication and obedience to His commandments allow us entrance into this holy pathway.

Second, As Christ Prayed: Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, interceded for our sanctification. He prayed in John 17:17, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." His plea signifies that our sanctification, a prerequisite for walking the Highway of Holiness, was a focal point in His prayers. Through the truth found in God's Word, we are sanctified and prepared to tread this divine path.

Finally, As Provision Was Made for Us: The foundation of this Highway of Holiness is the provision made for us through Jesus's atonement. The apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:22, "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." This divine provision enables us to access and journey this holy path.

Three fundamental conditions for entering the Way of Holiness.

First, Understand and know the first work of grace. Salvation is the first step towards entering the Highway of Holiness. It is through salvation that we are made holy and set apart for God's purpose. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."* Our old self is crucified with Christ, and we are reborn as a new creation in Him.

Second, Making a Complete and Living Consecration: The first precondition is complete and total consecration to God. Romans 12:1 reminds us, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." This act of consecration implies a wholehearted surrender of our will, desires, and life to God. It denotes living a life of sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, setting ourselves apart for His divine purpose. Living consecration demands a consistent commitment to righteousness and holiness. As stated in 1 Peter 1:15, "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." It's not a one-time act but an ongoing process, a daily walk in holiness, mirroring God's character in all our dealings.

Lastly, Simply Believing: The third condition is faith - simple, unwavering belief in God and His promises. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." This faith is not mere intellectual assent, but a deep-rooted conviction leading to obedience and a relentless pursuit of God. It is this faith that enables us to walk on the Highway of Holiness with confidence, knowing that God is faithful and will fulfill His promises.

As travelers on this Highway of Holiness, we are not left to wander aimlessly or face the journey alone. The Father has charted the course, the Son has prayed for our sanctity, and the Holy Spirit fills us, guiding every step of our journey. Though the path may be steep at times, we are assured that our destination, a life fully immersed in God's glory, is worth every step. So let us lace up our shoes of faith, clutch our staff of obedience, and embark on this sacred travel, knowing that along this holy highway, we find our true purpose, divine potential, and eternal promise. May our hearts be cleansed, our spirits filled, and our faith unwavering as we journey on the Highway of Holiness.