The Truth of the Gospel
In the New Testament, “the world” typically means something more complex and comprehensive than merely the physical earth. The world (Greek, kosmos, as in cosmic) often means the sphere of our human existence, encompassing the activities, spiritualities, and ideologies associated with it. It refers to a worldly system. Today, many promote caring for the world (earth). Of course, we need to be good stewards of the earth’s resources; but we should not be worldly-minded. We all want pure water to drink and clean air to breathe. But we must not be focused or centered on the things of this world (earth). The ministers and members of Zion Assembly need to be most concerned about “clean hands, and a pure heart” (Ps. 24:1-4). We should set our affection on heavenly things (Col. 3:1-2). “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:15).
In John’s first epistle, the love of the world conflicts with the love of God (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Why? The Spirit of God and the spirit of this world are completely contrary natures. God is holy; but the world is corrupted. Thus, holiness and worldliness are mutually exclusive. A true saint of God is not worldly. Therefore, a worldly church member falls short of true holiness. For this reason, the New Testament compels saints to deny “worldly lusts” and to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:12-14). We must remember that we are not of this world; for the world will pass away, but the Word of God abides forever (Jn. 15:19; 1 Jn. 2:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). Pure Christianity does not blend or mix holiness with worldliness but maintains a clear distinction between the two. Accordingly, the Christian must not conform himself/herself to the worldly system with its corrupted ideologies and practices (Rom. 12:1-2). In other words, one’s lifestyle should not be patterned after the ways of the world. Christianity is a non-conformist way of life; it’s a countercultural way of living. How far do we take non-conformity? The New Testament suggests a radical, comprehensive approach to fulfill holiness. We are to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22-24). Moreover, the Christian is to “keep himself unspotted from the world” (Jas. 1:27). The Word of God speaks of no middle ground between holiness and worldliness. There is no room for a “little” worldliness in the life of a saint. Plain and simple, we must “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14-15). Clearly, heart purity is a requirement for seeing God (Mt. 5:8). The Lord has made this possible through sanctification. In following or pursuing God’s holiness, we keep ourselves from conforming to the worldly system around us.
In John’s first epistle, the love of the world conflicts with the love of God (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Why? The Spirit of God and the spirit of this world are completely contrary natures. God is holy; but the world is corrupted. Thus, holiness and worldliness are mutually exclusive. A true saint of God is not worldly. Therefore, a worldly church member falls short of true holiness. For this reason, the New Testament compels saints to deny “worldly lusts” and to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:12-14). We must remember that we are not of this world; for the world will pass away, but the Word of God abides forever (Jn. 15:19; 1 Jn. 2:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). Pure Christianity does not blend or mix holiness with worldliness but maintains a clear distinction between the two. Accordingly, the Christian must not conform himself/herself to the worldly system with its corrupted ideologies and practices (Rom. 12:1-2). In other words, one’s lifestyle should not be patterned after the ways of the world. Christianity is a non-conformist way of life; it’s a countercultural way of living. How far do we take non-conformity? The New Testament suggests a radical, comprehensive approach to fulfill holiness. We are to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22-24). Moreover, the Christian is to “keep himself unspotted from the world” (Jas. 1:27). The Word of God speaks of no middle ground between holiness and worldliness. There is no room for a “little” worldliness in the life of a saint. Plain and simple, we must “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14-15). Clearly, heart purity is a requirement for seeing God (Mt. 5:8). The Lord has made this possible through sanctification. In following or pursuing God’s holiness, we keep ourselves from conforming to the worldly system around us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12.1-2)
Holiness and worldliness are contrary. Zion Assembly maintains the distinction between them. We cannot walk in holiness while being conformed to the attitudes and lifestyles of this world. Through sanctification, we can live holy in this present world, bringing glory and honor to Jesus Christ.
Zion Publishing House
Copyright (C) 2025
Zion Publishing House
Copyright (C) 2025
