God has promised sufficient grace to help us keep His commandments in the most perplexing situations.
Let me tell you about some extremely perplexing situations that have come to my personal attention.
A pastor, driving a group of new converts for baptism in a country where baptism was illegal, had to decide whether to lie to inquiring security officers in order to preserve the lives of his converts.
A 13-year-old girl, a victim of incestuous rape, had to decide whether to have an abortion.
A starving and dying young man, part of a group of refugees fleeing from a war situation, had to decide whether to eat pork in order to gain strength for his journey.
A mother, living in an atheistic country, was required to send her 3-year-old son to school every Sabbath or have him forever taken away and adopted out to an unknown atheistic or pagan family.
A father whose home was being invaded by armed robbers had to decide quickly whether it would be right for him to kill his attackers in order to defend his family.
Examples of "moral dilemmas" such as these real cases are frequently discussed in seminary courses under the heading, "Situation Ethics." They are called moral dilemmas because they seem to require Christian people to ignore the Ten Commandments. The solution usually offered is that in such situations God is pleased to have His people do the "loving" thing. In this article I feel impelled to show that in every situation God really wants His people to do the "holy" thing.
Is Holiness Possible?
But wait! Why talk about doing the holy thing? Is it actually possible for a person to live a holy life under life's perplexing circumstances? Well, we had better decide, for, according to the Bible, God expects us to be holy. Listen to Hebrews 12:14 KJV, "Without holiness no one will see the Lord" and to 1 Peter 1:15-16, "As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy." And hear the words of Jesus Himself, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt 5:48).
"Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it" (Eph 5:25, 26); He "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
These biblical passages teach that holiness is (1) absolutely necessary for our final salvation, (2) a command from the Lord, (3) the will of God for our lives, and (4) the reason why Jesus died for us. In short, holy is what God is, and what He expects human beings to become. Holiness is not an option; it is a divine requirement.
Shining Like Stars
Many who read what the Bible says about holiness feel quite uncomfortable, associating holiness with glum monks or a grim deity. Even some Christians reject holiness, believing that it nullifies their sense of assurance.
This sense of discomfort partly explains why I chose the "user-friendly" title, Shining Like Stars. I wanted to conceal my true intention to write about the ethical implications of holiness. But there is a more profound reason. My upbeat, user-friendly title, Shining Like Stars, comes from the Bible itself!
Notice this statement from the apostle Paul when he speaks about the call to ethical holiness: "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Phil 2:13-15 NIV).
Shining like stars in the midst of moral darkness is what holiness is all about. It is about being "blameless and pure" and "without fault in a crooked and depraved generation." Holiness is not a performance on a stage. It is real. For "it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
In today's jargon, holiness is about "being all that you can possibly be" and about "reaching your maximum potential." It represents our calling to "be somebody."
The Walk of Holiness
I would like you to think of holiness as a walk using two legs, spirituality and ethics. Without either one of these legs, the walk of holiness is impossible.
On one hand, spirituality (or Christian piety) concerns itself with the things that encourage and enhance development of a meaningful relationship with Christ. It includes such inward aspects of the Christian life as prayer, meditation, fasting, music, worship, the devotional study of Scripture, and simplicity of life.
Ethics (or Christian lifestyle), on the other hand, deals with the outward aspects of the Christian life that reveal a commitment to Christ. Ethics concerns itself with discovering God's standards, determining His revealed will, and developing such divine qualities as integrity, morality, and uprightness.
Without ethics, spirituality is corrupted into antinomianism, insensitivity, or a privatized religion that is more concerned with experiencing God's presence than with keeping His law. Without spirituality, ethics is corrupted into formalism, legalism, and pharisaical pride.
Bible-believing Adventists insist that the harmony between true spirituality and ethics should never be disturbed. For them, true biblical holiness is a steady walk using spirituality and ethics as its two legs. It is incapacitated the moment either leg is missing.
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Heb 12:14). This article is about the ethical component of holiness. But it should be clear to readers that ethics is only one of the two legs of our walk in holiness. In the remainder of this article, I will be assuming that readers are already familiar with and are cultivating spirituality.
Ethics: The Science of Holiness
We have already noted that the call to holiness is not a suggestion; it is a biblical command. "Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Pet 1:15-16 KJV).
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Heb 12:14).
Holiness is a call to an ethical lifestyle. Holiness is cultivating a character that is honest, just, and morally upright. It is doing what is morally right and avoiding what God has revealed as morally wrong. "Those who are truly sanctified will not set up their own opinion as a standard of right and wrong" (The Sanctified Life, p. 9). They understand that in the Bible are to be found standards of behavior for every aspect of their lives.
Christ's true followers know that "the law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. The law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ... As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors" (The Sanctified Life, pp. 80-81).
Ellen G. White has fittingly referred to the ethical lifestyle as "the science of holiness."
"The ethics inculcated by the gospel acknowledge no standard but the perfection of God's mind, God's will. God requires from His creatures conformity to His will. Imperfection of character is sin, and sin is the transgression of the law. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Everyone who receives Christ as his personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness" (Signs of the Times, September 3, 1902, emphasis mine).
Through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to live lives of ethical holiness, exhibiting the Christian virtues, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). We are led to develop the "mind of Christ," defined by the apostle Paul as self-emptying humility, sacrificial service, and obedience even unto death (Phil 2:1-11). As people being sanctified, we cherish the principles of the Kingdom enunciated in the Sermon on the Mount—meekness, mercy, peacemaking, and so on (Matt 5:1-12). We feed the hungry, help the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick (ch. 25:31-46).
In short, to shine like stars means looking to Jesus Christ, "the Bright and Morning Star." He is our Role Model and our matchless Human Example.
Conscious of Christ's ever-abiding presence, those pursuing the lifestyle of ethical holiness choose not to do anything privately that they would be ashamed to have known publicly. They recognize that their words and acts affect others; consequently, they conduct themselves as if they were accountable for every one of their thoughts, utterances, and actions (see 2 Cor 5:10). When the occasion demands it, they also make amends and offer restitution for wrongs inflicted on others.
Facing Trying Circumstances
Those who accept God's call to ethical holiness make a commitment that nothing in this world—riches, honor, power, friends, relationships, husband, wife, children, or even life itself—is worth having without God's approval (Luke 14:25-27).
We began this article by calling attention to a few of the trying situations facing Seventh-day Adventists in many parts of the world. We can all too easily add others.
A young woman whose child was being held at gun-point by a band of guerrillas had to decide whether to seek the child's freedom by consenting to sex with the bandits.
A 16-year old boy had to choose whether to follow the biblical truth of Seventh-day Adventism at the risk of being disowned by his family.
More than one impoverished couple has had to decide whether it is right to use tithe to procure food and medical help for their sick and starving children.
These kinds of "dilemmas" raise major questions for Christians seeking to live the life of ethical holiness. Is it ever right to lie, steal, kill, break the Sabbath, commit adultery, or disobey God in order to save one's life or the lives of others? Are God's Ten Commandments binding upon all people, under all situations? Are they Ten Suggestions or Ten Commandments?
Should we faithfully serve God even in illness, financial crisis, embarrassment, pain, disappointment, ridicule, death? Or shall we serve Him only when things are going well? Does God know what is best for us, and has He power to sustain and deliver us?
When faced with perplexing situations, should we base our decisions on the principles of God's unchangeable law or on our fear of anticipated consequences? The demand for holiness must take into account the challenges posed by the "moral ambiguities," the "moral dilemmas," of today's world.
I propose that in addressing moral dilemmas, Seventh-day Adventists who are pursuing a life of ethical holiness can be guided and encouraged by noting the following seven principles:
1. The Great Controversy
Let us recognize that our moral choices have to do with the great controversy between Christ and Satan. What we choose to do reveals whether we love God, whether we shall pledge our highest allegiance to Him. Christ says, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).
"From Adam's day to the present time the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God's law" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 73). "Satan had claimed that it was impossible for man to obey God's commandments; and in our own strength it is true that we cannot obey them. But Christ came in the form of humanity, and by His perfect obedience He proved that humanity and divinity combined can obey every one of God's precepts" (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 314).
2. We Have A Choice
We must understand that in every situation we have a choice. We can never be forced to do something against our will. Yes, we may be pressured, intimidated, or even tortured to make us go against our God. But ultimately it is we who decide whether to sin—or to honor Christ, no matter what the cost. To each of us the invitation is given, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Josh 24:15).
"When we are tempted to give the excuse, 'I have no choice,' we must remember that "man was created a free moral agent. Like the inhabitants of all other worlds, he must be subjected to the test of obedience; but he is never brought into such a position that yielding to evil becomes a matter of necessity. No temptation or trial is permitted to come to him which he is unable to resist" (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 331-332).
"Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil" (Education, p. 289). "God has made ample provision for His people; and if they rely upon His strength, they will never become the sport of circumstances. The strongest temptation cannot excuse sin" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 421). "No man can be forced to transgress" (Testimonies for the Church, 5:177).
3. Principles, Not Consequences
Many of us embark on a particular course of action based on what is most likely to happen—that is, on anticipated consequences. We presume to know the future, but the Bible teaches that only God knows the future. Since we are finite and fallible, we cannot predict the consequences of our decisions and actions. Our only safe course in trying times is to follow God's unchanging principles, not the unknown but presumed consequences.
"Christ's ambassadors have nothing to do with consequences. They must perform their duty, and leave results with God" (The Great Controversy, pp. 609-610). "In deciding upon any course of action, we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 634).
4. Don't Seek to "Save Life At Any Cost"
Our highest obligation is not to "save life at any cost," but to lovingly obey God at whatever cost (see Eccl 12:14; John 14:15). "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Sam 15:22). At all times we must seek to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it" (Mark 8:35).
Ethical holiness demands that we commit ourselves never to lie, steal, kill, break the Sabbath, commit adultery, not even in order to save life, whether our own lives or those of others. We know that the end does not justify the means!
The following statements by Ellen G. White have been very instructive to me when I have been tempted to compromise my commitment to Christ:
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends, or any suffering, rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before dishonor or the transgression of God's law, should be the motto of every Christian" (Testimonies for the Church, 5:147).
"It is better to die than to sin; better to want [be in need] than to defraud; better to hunger than to lie" (Testimonies for the Church, 4:495).
"God requires that truthfulness shall mark His people, even in the greatest peril" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 656).
"Even life itself should not be purchased with the price of falsehood" (Testimonies for the Church, 4:336).
We must remember that "the season of distress before God's people will call for a faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that He is the only object of their worship, and that no consideration, not even that of life itself, can induce them to make the least concession to false worship" (Prophets and Kings, pp. 512-513).
"The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it" (The Great Controversy, p. 622).
5. God Has A Way Out
The promises of the Lord assure us that God is never caught off-guard by man's predicaments. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Cor 10:13 NIV).
"Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet" (The Desire of Ages, p. 330).
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear" (Ps 46:1-2 KJV). "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1).
6. Resign Fully to God's Will
A complete surrender of the mind and will to God is the only cure to the problem of lack of faith. Sometimes obedience to God results in suffering and persecution (see 2 Tim 3:12), as is illustrated by Joseph in Potiphar's home, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon, John the Baptist in prison, and Stephen being stoned.
Yet we are to be "faithful unto death" (Rev 2:10). We must say with the Hebrew young men, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou has set up" (Dan 3:17, 18). If it suits God's purpose to permit us to die, He will raise us up when He appears at His glorious second coming.
"When in faith we take hold of His strength, he will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name" (Prophets and Kings, p. 260).
7. Lonely But Never Alone
Ethical holiness sometimes involves ethical loneliness. Sometimes we shall have to stand alone under intense pressure from friends and relatives, often misrepresented as fanatics or branded as trouble makers. But by God's grace, we shall refuse to allow the world to "squeeze" us "into its own mold" (Rom 12:2 Phillips). We shall determine not to "follow a multitude to do evil" (Ex 23:2 KJV).
Though at times lonely, we shall never be alone. "As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the closing period of earth's history the Lord will work mightily in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence will comfort and sustain. In the midst of the time of trouble—trouble such as has not been since there was a nation—His chosen ones will stand unmoved" (Prophets and Kings, p. 513).
As we strive to lead holy lives in a sinful world, let us remember that "nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness, and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. By prayer, by the study of His word, by faith in His abiding presence, the weakest of human beings may live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold them by a hand that will never let go" (The Ministry of Healing, p. 182).
May the Lord help us to shine like stars in the midst of moral darkness.