"...it is just as wrong to condemn the innocent as it is to commend the guilty."
In a recent post we addressed the error of counterfeit holiness (see The Error of Counterfeit Holiness). The major error is in focusing primarily on applications of holiness instead of the person of holiness—the Holy One. Although there are many, following are seven marks of counterfeit holiness.
- Teaching man’s traditions as the commandments of God. It is fair to see implications in the Word of God. Beyond that, it is fair to see inferences based on the implications. This is how we make applications. But we must remember these applications are at least two steps removed from the explicit text. Therefore, we must not teach the applications (traditions) as the commandments of God. This is a serious error. Jesus condemned this since people tend to hold to the traditions over the Word of God (Mark 7:7-13).
- Making lifestyle applications that the Lord may lead you to hold universal for all. This is similar to the first point. But this makes Christianity a one-size-fits-all paradigm which leaves no room for growth and a personal walk with God. It confuses what is absolute versus what is variable within the absolutes. Ultimately, this demand infringes on the Holy Spirit’s personal leadership in lives of others (Rom. 14).
- Saying holiness must look like a given set of external applications beyond the absolutes of the written Word. But this demand places the focus at least in part on the applications instead of Jesus. Focus reveals dependence. So a misplaced focus or a split-focus reveals a wrong dependence (Acts 15; Gal. 3:1-5).
- Condescending attitude toward others. But condescension reveals self-righteousness. Jesus condemned the Pharisee who was condescending toward the publican (Luke 18:9-14).
- Condemning the innocent. But it is just as wrong to condemn the innocent as it is to commend the guilty. It is just as wrong to call good evil as it is to call evil good. Counterfeit holiness condemns what is actually pleasing to God. Jesus condemned those who did this (Matt. 12:1-8).
- Emphasizing the law as a schoolmaster not just for sinners, but also for saints. But the Spirit is the leader for saints (Gal. 5:18). If you make the law the leader, then you promote law-focus. Law-focus demands law-dependence, which is really flesh-dependence, and you have just led people into the frustration of Romans 7 failure.
- Expressing a given set of externals as one’s first and primary burden, although also incorporating correct verbiage that implies focus on Jesus. But one’s first burden reveals one’s real focus, which reveals where one’s actual dependence lies.
True holiness comes from the Holy Spirit, imparting the holy life of Jesus through faith. Ironically, while counterfeit holiness accuses all who disagree as being compromisers, counterfeit holiness actually compromises true holiness.
John Van Gelderen
Post Author
About This Blog
Hello, I’m John Van Gelderen. I am an evangelist and the president of Revival Focus Ministries, an organization for the cause of revival in hearts, homes, churches, and beyond, and for evangelizing. This blog is focused on experiencing Jesus. I believe in order to really live, you must access and experience the very life of Jesus Christ.
Very helpful article!
Now here’s a question: As an individual begins to become more aware of true holiness through simple dependence on the Life of Christ by the power of the Spirit, how can he or she then begin to cultivate true holiness in a church or group that has lived in counterfeit holiness for a long time?
Thanks David! The living example of the true holiness of the fruit of the Spirit is always a refreshing practical help. Also, as the Lord opens doors and as the Spirit leads, pointing people to a surrendered relationship with the Holy Spirit instead of mere rule keeping opens peoples eyes. We might even expand on this thought in a future Q&A.