Pastor Kumuyi's Bold Call for Holiness in a Secular Age
In his new book, Holiness: A Holistic Approach, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, delivers a powerful and uncompromising message about God's demand for righteousness in a world he describes as increasingly unholy. The book, published by Life Press Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, spans 303 pages and has been reviewed by Banji Ojewale, who notes its audacious and direct approach to spiritual purity.
Why God Pursues Holiness Among Humanity
Kumuyi presents two primary reasons for God's insistence on holiness. First, he asserts that Earth is God's creation, originally perfect but corrupted by human sin and rebellion. God aims to reclaim humanity, made in His image, and prepare them for eternal life in Heaven. This redemption, Kumuyi explains, requires cleansing from sin through faith in Christ's death and resurrection, followed by personal sanctification—a process that cannot be achieved through communal efforts alone.
Second, Kumuyi emphasizes that God's call to holiness is rooted in love and designed for human benefit. He argues that those who embrace sanctification can experience material success, prosperity, true joy, and hope for Heaven. In contrast, clinging to sinful lifestyles denies access to these blessings. Holy individuals, according to Kumuyi, share in God's power to overcome temptations and trials, enabling them to rise above worldly corruption and enjoy a fulfilling relationship with their Creator.
Addressing Perfection and Practical Holiness
The book delves into the concept of perfection, clarifying that it pertains to character and behavior rather than knowledge or angelic standards. Kumuyi cautions against misconceptions, pointing to Christ as the model for holiness. He acknowledges skepticism about achieving spiritual purity in a materialistic world but counters with biblical examples like Abraham, Enoch, and Daniel, who lived righteously despite moral decay in their times.
Kumuyi shares his personal testimony, having received the gift of sanctification on November 17, 1965, which he says has enriched his life and service. He outlines self-probing questions to help readers assess their sanctification, focusing on prayer habits, heart conditions, and interactions with others. These questions aim to reveal whether one is free from worldly passions and aligned with godly principles.
Literary Craftsmanship and Critique
Structured into 18 chapters across five parts, the book showcases Kumuyi's skilled writing, with vivid prose and alliteration that reflect his background as a mathematician turned wordsmith. However, Ojewale notes a pagination error from page 105 in Chapter 4, though this does not detract from the overall message. Kumuyi's work is described as a divine burden delivered with finesse, akin to his globally acclaimed sermons.
In conclusion, Holiness: A Holistic Approach serves as a fervent exhortation for believers and all humanity to pursue holiness as the only path to eternal life with God. Kumuyi frames this pursuit as a "Visa for final flight," achievable through Christ's sacrifice and prayer for sanctification, urging readers to embrace a life of purity and love in an unholy world.
