The Holiness Framework
Holiness. It’s a word that often sparks both reverence and confusion among believers. In his dynamic sermon The Holiness Framework, Pastor Jason unpacks what it truly means to be holy, providing a roadmap for believers to understand and live out this essential aspect of the Christian faith. Grounded in Scripture and peppered with humor, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom, Pastor Jason outlines three core components of holiness: righteousness, sanctification, and consecration.
Rediscovering Holiness
Pastor Jason begins by addressing a common misconception in the church: holiness is often reduced to “living right.” While not entirely incorrect, this definition barely scratches the surface. Holiness is much more than behavior modification; it is a divine framework rooted in God’s character and work in our lives. Quoting 1 Peter 1:13-16 (“Be holy, for I am holy”), Pastor Jason challenges believers to move beyond superficial understandings and embrace the deeper calling to reflect God’s holiness in every aspect of life.
The Three Components of the Holiness Framework
1. Righteousness: The Foundation
Righteousness is the starting point of holiness and the foundation of the framework. Pastor Jason emphasizes that righteousness is not earned but received as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. By His sacrifice, Jesus satisfies God’s demand for perfection and transfers His righteousness to believers.
Key Scriptures:
Romans 3:21-26: Describes the righteousness of God through faith and Jesus as the propitiation for sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Romans 8:3-4: Explains how Christ fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law for believers.
Pastor Jason passionately reminds us that righteousness is solely the work of Jesus. “If you’re thankful for what Jesus did for you at the cross of Calvary,” he exclaims, “give Him a great praise!”
2. Sanctification: The Process
Where righteousness is about status, sanctification is about transformation. Pastor Jason describes it as the “horizontal” component of holiness—the journey from sinful living toward godly living. This process is progressive, ongoing, and ultimately empowered by Christ.
Key Scriptures:
Hebrews 10:14: “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Romans 8:3-4: Reinforces the role of the Spirit in sanctification.
Pastor Jason candidly acknowledges that sanctification is not easy. “You don’t have the power to change your behavior on your own,” he explains. However, when believers turn their struggles over to Jesus, they find freedom. “Sanctification is also the sole work of Jesus Christ,” he affirms, encouraging the congregation to rely on the Spirit for true transformation.
3. Consecration: The Vertical
Consecration, the third component, focuses on being set apart for God. Unlike righteousness and sanctification, which deal with sin, consecration is about separation from the world and dedication to the Lord. It’s the “vertical” dimension of holiness that determines a believer’s spiritual altitude.
Key Scriptures:
2 Samuel 6 and 1 Samuel 6: Pastor Jason contrasts David’s failed attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant on a new cart with the Philistines’ apparent success, illustrating the importance of obedience and consecration.
Matthew 23:25: Warns against external cleanliness without internal separation.
“Consecration isn’t about sin,” Pastor Jason explains. “It’s about separation.” He challenges believers to evaluate their lives, not by asking, “Is it sin?” but by asking, “Is it suitable for me as someone set apart for God?” Consecration, he says, involves dedicating time to prayer, Scripture, and the pursuit of God’s presence.
Holiness in Action
Pastor Jason acknowledges that many believers stop short of full consecration. “They’ll take salvation and enjoy the benefits of sanctification,” he says, “but they resist the deeper call to consecration.” Yet it is through consecration that believers experience the greatest spiritual breakthroughs and intimacy with God.
He highlights the importance of spending time in the “secret place” with God. “Your level of consecration determines your level of breakthrough, power, and anointing,” he declares, urging the congregation to prioritize their relationship with the Lord above all else.
The Ecosystem of Holiness
In his closing remarks, Pastor Jason revisits righteousness as the foundation of the framework, but he adds another layer: righteousness is also the ecosystem in which sanctification and consecration operate. He draws attention to 1 John 4:9-18, which speaks of God’s love as the basis for confidence and transformation. “Turn your attention to the finished work of Jesus Christ,” he urges. “Jesus is enough.”
Final Thoughts
The Holiness Framework is more than a sermon; it’s a call to live a life transformed by God’s love and power. Pastor Jason’s message challenges believers to embrace the fullness of holiness through righteousness, sanctification, and consecration. By shifting our focus from ourselves to Christ’s finished work, we can experience a vibrant, holy life that reflects the heart of God.
As Pastor Jason proclaims: “Holiness is still right. Holiness still works. And there is no holiness like the holiness that flows from the shed blood of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary.”