Holiness is Wholeness: According to Biblical Discernment (Romans 12:1-2) (for the future)

There are many leaders of the church and teachers of the Bible who like to distinguish themselves as the one to follow by some simple formula. One is that we teach the "old paths." Another is that we are interested in the "emerging church." Another says that they have "contemporary worship." Yet another way to distinguish a fellowship is to say that it is "conservative." Another says that it is "liberal" or "open-minded." Another says that it is "evangelical." With all these banners competing for attention, what is one to do? Are we to give up before a sea of competing views or is there a "biblical" way out?

I think there is a biblical way to sort out all these banners. We are told in Romans 12:1-2, along with a few other things, that transformation is "by the renewing of your mind." I want us to focus on the 3 parts of meaning in the word "re-new-ing." This is all "of your mind" that great tool for discernment. So lets use the mind for a moment to become discerning between banners.

First, the first part of renewing is that it is something that is to happen again. For something to be happening again, it has to have happened before which means it has a past and is in that sense old. There is reason to be able to discern something old in the path of a leader or teacher is taking. Yet that is not all that you should see.

Second, the second part of renewing is that it is something that is new. It is not just old. It has to have something that is happening now, it has to have a present and in that sense new. There is a reason to be able to discern something new in the path of a leader or teacher is taking. Yet that is not all that you should see, even if you add the old to it.

Third, the third part of renewing is that it is something that is approaching or coming. It is not just present. It has to have something that is not yet, it has to have a future and in that sense next. There is a reason to be able to discern something continuing in the path of a leader or teacher is taking. It is not yet finished. Yet you must not see just that alone.

Renewing requires past, present and future orientations. It does not focus on just one of these orientations. The application is simple. Steer clear of those who proclaim only "old paths." Steer clear of those who proclaim only "contemporary worship." Steer clear of those who proclaim only "emerging churches." Instead, make sure you can discern a recognition and interest in the past, present and future. They should see those who came before them, those who are with them and the joy of adding those who come after them. That is renewing.

You see this even in my view that holiness is wholeness. I am not satisfied just to prove it is part of the "old paths," though it is that. That is why I continue to dig through the writings of Bengel. Neither am I satisfied that all over the web there are "contemporaries" who agree that holiness is wholeness, though that is good. That is why I am working on present day alliances. But I add to both of these that there is a "future" and things "emerging" where the biblical text must be explored and mined like it was not in the 20th century and where the implications of holiness is wholeness must be opened up like it has not since biblical times.

I pray to God that this time comes quickly so that we see the wholeness of Jesus our King, Savior and God soon. May God bless your present and future richly. And may you see the riches He gave you in the past.


In Christ,

Pastor Jon