In an age of shifting values, relativism, and the desire for conformity to the world, the call of God remains unchanged: “Enter ye in at the strait gate” (Matthew 7:13). The divine path, often called “the old path” is the way of righteousness, holiness, and unwavering obedience to God’s eternal standards. It is a path that has stood the test of time, and it remains the only way approved by God for His people.
Many seek to modernize or compromise the Gospel, claiming that God’s standards are negotiable or outdated. But the truth is clear: God’s way has always been and will forever be the way of holiness. When we are born again, we do not conform to the worldly standards but are transformed into the image of Christ, aligning with God’s unchanging principles.
1. The Old Path Is the Divine Path
The phrase “the old path” speaks of the original, divine way that God established from the beginning. It is the path of holiness, righteousness, and obedience.
Jeremiah 6:16: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the way, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
Isaiah 30:21: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”
God’s divine path is not a new invention nor a human tradition but the eternal way that has been revealed through His Word. It is the way of holiness, set apart from the world, and it remains the standard for all believers.
2. God’s Standard Is Unchanging and Non-Negotiable
God’s standards are fixed, eternal, and non-negotiable. The Bible plainly states:
Malachi 3:6: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”
Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Psalm 119:89: “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”
When you become born again, you do not bring your own standards but are called to bring your life into alignment with God’s unchanging will. The moment you accept Christ, your life is to reflect God’s holiness, His righteousness, and His moral standards.
3. Holiness Is the Core of God’s Path
Holiness is not an option; it is God’s way. The call to holiness is a non-negotiable aspect of the Christian life.
1 Peter 1:15-16: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Leviticus 11:44: “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy…”
Hebrews 12:14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Holiness is rooted in God’s nature, and His call to us is to reflect that nature. It is a life of separation from sin and conformity to God’s moral and spiritual standards.
4. When You Are Born Again, You Align with God’s Standards
Salvation is not merely a prayer or a religious act; it is an alignment with God’s divine standards. When you are born again, you are recreated in Christ Jesus, and your life must reflect His holiness.
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Romans 12:2: “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.”
Colossians 3:10: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
This renewal and transformation are about aligning with God’s standards, not adjusting His Word to fit human or cultural preferences.
5. God Does Not Adjust His Standards to Human Preferences
God’s standards are rooted in His holiness, justice, and righteousness. They are not subject to human reinterpretation or negotiation.
Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Revelation 22:18-19: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life.”
God’s Word is final and authoritative. His moral standards are immutable. To compromise or alter them is to depart from divine truth.
6. The Danger of Modern Innovation and Compromise
Many have attempted to modernize the Gospel, dilute holiness, or soften the standards of righteousness to appeal to worldly tastes. However, the Word warns against such deviations:
2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Jeremiah 6:16: “Stand ye in the way, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
Revelation 2:14-16: Jesus rebuked the church of Pergamos for tolerating false doctrines and compromising God’s standards.
The true church must hold fast to the old paths, God’s ancient, divine way, without compromise.
7. Holiness Is the Evidence of a True Born-Again Life
The evidence that you have truly been born again is a life marked by holiness, righteousness, and separation from sin.
Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
1 John 3:9: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
Holiness is not optional but the natural fruit of genuine salvation.
8. The Call to Return to the Old Path
In this hour, God is calling His people back to the ancient, divine path, the path of holiness, righteousness, and unwavering obedience to His Word.
Jeremiah 6:16: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the way, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
Proverbs 22:28: “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
Isaiah 58:12: “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations.”
God’s standard is eternal; His way is unchanging, and His call is for His people to walk in the old paths, the way of holiness.
Brothers and sisters, the message is clear and unwavering: The old path remains the right path; God’s standard of holiness and righteousness is non-negotiable. When you are born again, you are called to align your life with God’s unchanging Word, not to conform to the fleeting standards of this world.
Holiness is and will forever be God’s way. It is the divine standard that separates His people from the world and makes them vessels fit for His glory. The path of holiness is narrow, but it leads to eternal life, peace, and divine favor. Please follow the right!
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
