Day 4: The Crux of Holiness

CONNECT

We are made holy because of what Jesus did for us. He died on the cross for our sins and this activity will remind us that we are made holy because of Him.

Let's prepare the following materials:

• 2 small, black (or dark colored) rocks
• 1 small white (or light colored) rock
• Crayon
• Marker
• Glue
• Hard cardboard (you can also use an illustration board or any flat, hard material that can serve as base for this craft)
• Glitter glue (optional)

What to do:

• Place the three rocks on the cardboard.
• Below the rocks, write the words: Set apart for God.
• Color and decorate the cardboard making sure to color the words you have just written.
• Take the white rock and write your name on the rock using a marker.
• Using glue, make a cross onto the white rock. Decorate it with glitter. If glitter glue is not available, you may use a crayon to draw the cross.
• Glue the three rocks onto the cardboard placing the white rock in between the two black rocks.

The white rock represents you! Because of what Jesus did, you have been washed clean with His blood and made Holy for His service. Whenever we look at this craft, it will help you remember that Jesus made a way for you to be set apart and to make a difference because you belong to Jesus.

READ THE WORD

We have been talking about holiness. Can you still recall what it means? Being holy means being set apart and that we belong to Jesus.

Today, we will talk about the crux of holiness. The word “crux” means “the most important point at issue.” It comes from the Latin word crux which actually means cross. This is because the cross of Jesus Christ is the most important matter of all. Crucifixion is something that we don't do today. In the time of Jesus, being crucified was a shameful and painful way to die. It was a way for the Romans to humiliate and punish criminals, and they used their captives to warn others. But is the cross of Jesus Christ so important for us to be holy?

In Genesis, we saw the downfall of humanity. God gave them authority over the earth as representatives of God. However, they sinned by choosing to obey the serpent rather than God. Because of this, they became unholy and fell under the controlling power of sin and death. Ever since then, all their descendants have suffered the same consequence.

But God had a plan. Colossians 2:13–14says:

At one time you were dead in your sins. Your desires controlled by sin were not circumcised. But God gave you new life together with Christ. He forgave us all our sins. He wiped out what the law said that we owed. The law stood against us. It judged us. But he has taken it away and nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13–14

Jesus Christ broke the power of the sinful nature that controlled us. He took all of our sins and when He died, He also put our sins to death on the cross. By doing this, those who trust in Him are forgiven of all of their sins and are also made spiritually alive. Hebrews 10:10 also says:

We have been made holy by what God wanted. We have been made holy because Jesus Christ offered his body once and for all time. Hebrews 10:10

But wait, there’s more. By offering His body once and for all on the cross, Jesus has made those who trust in Him holy or set apart for God. This is why the cross of Jesus Christ is so important to holiness.

As believers in Jesus, God has already set us apart and given us the power to no longer be controlled by sin. Because of this, we are called to live out our holiness. We are to set apart our thoughts, our words, and our actions for God by following the example of Jesus.

You were chosen to do good even if you suffer. That’s because Christ suffered for you. He left you an example that he expects you to follow. Scripture says, “He didn’t commit any sin. No lies ever came out of his mouth.” People shouted at him and made fun of him. But he didn’t do the same thing back to them. When he suffered, he didn’t say he would make them suffer. Instead, he trusted in the God who judges fairly. “He himself carried our sins” in his body on the cross. He did it so that we would die as far as sins are concerned. Then we would lead godly lives. “His wounds have healed you.” “You were like sheep wandering away.” But now you have returned to the Shepherd. He is the one who watches over your souls. 1 Peter 2:21–25

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• Did you ever tell a lie?
• Do you know why Jesus had to die?
• Do you trust that Jesus died to forgive you?
• What does it mean when we belong to Jesus?

7–12 years old

• What does it mean to be holy?
• What did Jesus do for you and me?
• Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• What are the benefits you get as a child of God?

Kids to Parents

• Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• How have you experienced God's goodness in your life?
• How has Jesus changed your life?

We can only live holy lives as God's children because of what Jesus did for us. Through Jesus' death on the cross, God shared His holiness to us. Even though we have been given the gift of holiness, living holy lives is still a choice we have to make every single day. Will you make that choice today?

PRAY

Dear God, I know I am a sinner and that I deserve punishment for my sin. Thank You for dying on the cross for me so that I may be forgiven and be made holy in your sight. Because of your sacrifice, I am now holy and have the power to live a holy life. Teach me how to follow the example that Jesus Christ set. Help me make a decision to live out my holiness daily so that I may honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DISCOVER

The Bible Project paints a picture of what holiness looks like. Watch their video below to know more about holiness.

Source

Mackie, Tim and Collins, Jon. “What the Idea of "Holiness" Means in the Bible.” BibleProject. March 17, 2015. YouTube video, 6:34.