Some things are theological in nation, while others are practical/traditional.Theologically, holiness typically has come to be understood to mean that one can live righteously before the Lord (some even would argue to the point of sinless perfection). This is usually associated with sanctification. The practical aspects, however, are what most define us, I think….We believe that you cannot live any way you want to and remain saved. That means we believe in backsliding.We believe strongly in separation from the world (however you might define that).
There are many flavors within the Holiness tradition, but essentially the difference between Holiness theology and, say, Southern Baptist theology, may be laid out as:1. Sin is not inevitable, but is a willful choice that the believer has the power by the Holy Spirit to avoid. (Baptists typically say sin is inevitable, can never be completely avoided at any point in this life due to the sinful nature we inherited from Adam, and so we cannot be free from sin until we die and go to Heaven).
Is my church (which is a COG) a holiness church? I don’t think anyone there would describe it that way, probably because they also don’t know what it means.
The Church of God (Cleveland, TN) is officially committed to Holiness doctrine, as indicated especially by the following points in our Declaration of Faith:(We Believe)…
Speakin specifically of explainin it to a Baptist, I can only tell ya what the ole timer says, Eddie.1. I aint a Baptist.2. I will not attend a church whose name ends with an E, unless the word is normally spelled ending with an E.3. John was not part of the Southern Baptist Convention.
What does holiness mean?
What we mean by holiness…
Some things are theological in nation, while others are practical/traditional.Theologically, holiness typically has come to be understood to mean that one can live righteously before the Lord (some even would argue to the point of sinless perfection). This is usually associated with sanctification. The practical aspects, however, are what most define us, I think….We believe that you cannot live any way you want to and remain saved. That means we believe in backsliding.We believe strongly in separation from the world (however you might define that).
There are many flavors within the Holiness tradition, but essentially the difference between Holiness theology and, say, Southern Baptist theology, may be laid out as:1. Sin is not inevitable, but is a willful choice that the believer has the power by the Holy Spirit to avoid. (Baptists typically say sin is inevitable, can never be completely avoided at any point in this life due to the sinful nature we inherited from Adam, and so we cannot be free from sin until we die and go to Heaven).
I’ve read that Holiness refers to a movement that believes in sanctification as a definite work of grace after salvation________________
Being holiness means that you have to live it along with believing it?
Is my church (which is a COG) a holiness church? I don’t think anyone there would describe it that way, probably because they also don’t know what it means.
The Church of God (Cleveland, TN) is officially committed to Holiness doctrine, as indicated especially by the following points in our Declaration of Faith:(We Believe)…
Speakin specifically of explainin it to a Baptist, I can only tell ya what the ole timer says, Eddie.1. I aint a Baptist.2. I will not attend a church whose name ends with an E, unless the word is normally spelled ending with an E.3. John was not part of the Southern Baptist Convention.