​​Welcome  to    Joy By Surprise

People have varying views about holiness. Some mistake it for righteousness, purity or spiritual perfection. To be sure these conditions usually coexist with holiness; but they ought not to be mistaken for holiness, which is a different thing entirely. From the above definition of holiness you will see that an object becomes holy by being set apart or consecrated to YaHuWaH . It is not holy because it is perfect, or because it cost a great deal. It is holy because it is consecrated (set apart) to YaHuWaH the Elohim of Israel. He is in possession of it. The matter of its perfection, its appearance, its value at this stage is immaterial. Its holiness is determined by its owner. It is holy because it belongs to the Almighty; not because it is without fault. His Spirit controls it and that is what makes it holy. Bear this important point in mind. Here are some examples of holy, set-apart, consecrated things.

The Most High is set apart, in that He is in a class of His own. He is totally different from all other gods and objects of worship. He stands out as a unique character: One who is absolutely different from all other deities in the universe. Here is a short list of the amazing qualities that puts the Almighty in a class all of His own.

• His purity and perfection of character.
• His wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.
• His love, generosity, patience, kindness.
• His mercy and compassion.
• His mental, physical and spiritual powers.
• His design abilities and creative skills.
• His governing skills.
• His Torah.
• His infinite knowledge and vast experience.
• His foresight etc.

In all these things YaHuWaH the Almighty Elohim of Israel stands out as being absolutely apart from all others. He is unique. He is above all other gods. He can also produce unique things and keep up His production lines for all time. Consider the snowflake, or the human fingerprint. Each is different from the next. YaHuWaH and His handiwork are infinitely ahead of all others. His products stand in a class of their own. They are holy. And so with the angel army we too exclaim:

"Holy, Holy, Holy!" (Revelation 4:8)

It is from such a unique Person that there comes the divine invitation Be ye holy. Come apart, be separate, be dedicated, be pure, be mine. Consider these astonishing commands.

YaHuWaH the Almighty Elohim of Israel wants His people to be different from all the other peoples of the world. He does not want us to imitate the world in moral values, in outlook or in behavior. YaHuWaH wants His people to be dedicated to Him - separate, apart, sanctified and holy.

Be ye set apart saith YaHuWaH.

To be sure we believers are in no way more intelligent or inherently better than other people on earth. But in everything we do we must have the highest moral standards, we must be set apart from the ordinary by YaHuWaH 's high and holy standards; and in matters of moral behavior - we must be totally different from the sinful world. We are to be as different from the world as a holy kiss is totally different from a sexual kiss. In short, the whole concept, operation and purpose of a believer's life must be in a class of its own, set apart - holy.

To those who recognize that they are set apart - different - (not necessarily more talented, but living on a higher moral plane) YaHuWaH makes many wonderful promises. They include guarantees lasting throughout eternity. They tell of reward, blessing and protection which the saints will enjoy for all time. Here are a few of those promises. See YaHuWaH 's Promises for hundreds more.

NOTE: YaHuWaH makes a distinction, and His people should be aware of that distinction.

And why does the high and holy YaHuWaH require us to be holy? How can our separation from the world and its interests benefit Him? The answer is that we might be cleansed and thereafter used by Him to introduce others to the Savior, who can give them eternal life. YaHuWaH will only use sanctified (holy) vessels and instruments for His work. A person's potential use in the Vineyard of salvation does not depend upon:

• Education / Knowledge / Skill
• Wealth / Possessions
• Physical Appearance / Personality
• Social Standing / Position or Fame

However important we rate these things, they really are of little account without holiness. Indeed, all of them, if not directed by the Spirit of YaHuWaH, end in vanity and spiritual impotence. This means that no Christian can do any effective work in the Vineyard of Salvation without holiness. Sinners are not saved by information: any more than a car is moved to its destination by a road sign. Sinners are convicted and won over by the Holy Spirit working through sanctified instruments. To be sure we may use the Torah of YaHuWaH to inform people, but if the Holy Spirit is not with us, and if we are not living up to the truths we know and believe, then there will be no conviction and no decisions for YAHUSHUA the Messiah. Everything of importance depends on the presence of YaHuWaH 's Spirit in your life. If He is with you, then you will be a success in life and in the Vineyard of Salvation.

If He is not with you, you will be a failure - no matter how impressive your performance in the eyes of the world or even in the eyes of the church members.

What is it that attracts the Spirit of the Most High? Why is the Holy Spirit with some people and not with others? How is it that some preachers bring people to Messiah and others can never somehow manage it? They answer is: some believers are holy (dedicated, set apart and sanctified) and others are not. Millions know the truth; but comparatively few live it. That is the difference. The Holy Spirit will not work with unclean, unholy human tools. We must be holy, set apart and sanctified if we want Him to use us. This is a sobering fact.

When our iniquity is taken away; when our sin is purged (burned out of our lives), then we can speak for YaHuWaH : but not before. And even then, few will listen and even fewer will decide to be saved. These are sobering facts we must remember; especially as we approach the closing days of this sinful age.