Date: June 3, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who still abides in us. This week, we embark on a sacred journey into the depths of a divine and profound topic: “Holiness,” A concept that is not of this world but of the divine realm. This week’s message reveals that God’s laws illuminate the “Highway of Holiness, a path we are called to walk with reverence and devotion.” 

“The Law of God defines the Highway of Holiness, leaving no room for error. The laws of God shape this highway with clear boundaries. However, being righteous is not simply adhering to these laws; holiness is more than rule-keeping. Some oversimplify holiness by reducing it to mere obedience to the law; some underestimate the importance of holiness, having been justified by faith. Jesus did not say, If you love me, you’ll ignore rules and religions and do whatever makes you happy.  No, He said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Saints, Deuteronomy 5:32-33 says, “Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” Therefore, these things are bound by the word of God. First John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” Sin is grievous, while God’s commandments are not.

In conclusion, Psalm 119:32 says, “I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” The psalmist explains how he follows God’s commandments, as they have set his heart free. He believes this is the Highway of Holiness. The law of God describes the internal heart attitude essential to holiness. The greatest commandment is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The second greatest is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Therefore, it’s essential to understand that freedom from the law doesn’t mean you can ignore these two things. God’s commandments cover our lives, and He wants us to obey Him. Romans 8:4 says, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Therefore, if we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, it compels us to follow God’s righteous laws and commandments.

Remember, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop