Date: July 15, 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 delve into the profound message of “The Highway of Holiness is a Designed Way and a Plain Way.”

Isaiah 35 is a beautiful passage. It is a triumphant song of Israel’s return to its homeland. In this passage, Isaiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity and Judah’s desire for deliverance. Early disciples often referred to the new life in Christ as “the way.” This way reminds us that the work of Jesus Christ and the purpose of the gospel is to open and prepare the path that leads to redemption. It is a designed way, known as the King’s Highway, and we must understand that it is an appointed way. This implies that we are not at liberty to exercise our judgment or wishes in the matters about it (Hebrews 2:1-4; Galatians 1:6-9).

The way to enter the Highway of Holiness is divinely directed, meaning it is the way of God’s commandments. This is the only way one can become and remain holy. The Gospel is the truth that calls us to this way. As stated in 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But 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.” This journey is described as the Way of Holiness and is under divine direction throughout (John 6:44-45, Galatians 3:26-27, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 1:22-23). As Jeremiah 6:16 and Acts 10:34-35 tell us, there is no other way to achieve holiness. Second, Thessalonians 2:14 reminds us that the Gospel called us to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In closing, the Highway of Holiness is straightforward, and unlike some confusing desert tracts, it is easy to follow. Though it may be narrow, there’s enough space for all the redeemed to walk on it. It’s not obstructed with intellectual difficulties that the wise can only understand (Matthew 11:25-30, John 7:17; 2 Corinthians 11:3). The gospel wouldn’t be for everyone if the Highway of Holiness weren’t clear. However, His way must be simple since Jesus came to save sinners. But this simplicity has been a stumbling block for some people (2 Kings 5:10-12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-28).

Nevertheless, we believers know that “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop