The Splendor of His Holiness – Adorned with Grace
God is not just perfecting us in truth but adorning us in beauty—clothing His bride in grace, one gentle touch at a time.
Today’s devotional points us to the beauty of holiness—true holiness. Simpson draws a distinction between a bare, hardened kind of piety and the radiant, Spirit-filled life that reflects the loveliness of Christ. He cautions against a type of sanctification that feels like a skeleton—harsh and rigid—devoid of the warmth and life that real holiness brings. There is a difference between what is merely “just” and what is “lovely and of good report.”
Jesus, our perfect model, was not only sinless but irresistibly beautiful in His manner and presence. His holiness was never austere. It attracted the broken, comforted the hurting, and adorned truth with love. The devotional encourages us to not overlook the “small graces” that are the final touches of God’s sanctifying work in us. These finishing touches aren’t secondary—they are the visible evidence of a life formed by Christ Himself.
God is shaping His bride to be radiant, not only without spot or wrinkle, but also full of the fragrance of grace. Holiness is more than upright living—it is lovely living, and it flows from union with the beautiful One who dwells within.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture:
My child, I have made you holy by My indwelling presence, not by your striving. You are already washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by My Spirit. I have adorned you with garments of salvation and wrapped you in the robe of righteousness. I am not forming a harsh exterior but adorning you with the beauty of gentleness, peace, and love.
As you walk in Me, I lead you into all truth, but I also teach you to let your gentleness be known to all. You were created in Christ Jesus for good works, yes—but also to display the beauty of holiness, seasoned with kindness, patience, and joy. Holiness is not only pure—it is delightful. It draws others because I am drawing them through you. My fruit in you is not only goodness, faithfulness, and self-control, but also joy and peace, the sweet fragrance of Christ.
Do not despise the small touches I bring—the gentle word spoken in love, the smile that reflects My joy, the patience extended when you could have responded in frustration. These are not trivial; they are holy. I am preparing you as a bride, adorned not only in truth but in beauty. The world sees Me when My grace in you softens the angles, fills in the rough edges, and flows through every moment with the loveliness of My Son.
I dwell in the beauty of holiness, and I have made My home in you. Let your life be My sanctuary, where truth shines and grace invites.
Scripture References (in order): 1 Corinthians 6:11, Isaiah 61:10, John 16:13, Philippians 4:5, Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 5:22–23, 2 Corinthians 2:14–15, Song of Songs 4:7, Psalm 96:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16.
Prayer (in my voice):
Father, thank You that the beauty of holiness is already mine in Christ. You’ve not only made me clean but lovely in Your sight. I trust You to express the gentleness, joy, and kindness of Jesus through me today. As I yield to Your Spirit, I know You are shaping not only my convictions but also my character—with the tender details that reveal Your Son to others. I rest in Your presence and rejoice that I am already adorned in the splendor of Your holiness.
Amen.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson
Image Credit: Photo by Unsplash