He Is My Because : Rev. David Sablan Jr.’s Call to Scriptural Holiness
Johannesburg, South Africa - Midway through the Global Methodist Church’s 2026 General Conference, delegates gathered for morning worship with a shared attentiveness to the work before them. The preacher for the service is the Philippines’ very own, Rev. David Sablan Jr., he delivered a message that was at once pastoral and forthright, urging the church to reaffirm its Scriptural grounding and its historic commitment to holiness. Rev. Sablan, introduced as “a true holiness preacher” and a spiritual mentor whose ministry has shaped leaders across generations, centered his sermon on the conviction that holiness is not merely an aspiration but a biblical mandate for the people of God.
Rev. David Sablan Jr. delivers his message on scriptural holiness during the 2026 General Conference.
“Because of Jesus… He is my because.”
Clear Assessment of the Church’s Moment
Rev. Sablan, began by acknowledging the cultural pressures facing the global church. Drawing from a statement he quoted in his sermon, he noted that “secularism and liberalism have deeply permeated our world and regrettably even our churches.” He warned that when the church adopts the thought patterns of the surrounding culture, it risks losing its distinctive witness! He emphasized that the authority of Scripture must be reclaimed as foundational for the church’s life and mission. Citing Ken Ham, he reminded delegates, “When you abandon the absolute authority of God’s word, anything goes.” For him, the crisis is not primarily institutional but spiritual… the church must once again be shaped by the Word of God.
Holiness as Scriptural Obedience
Preaching from 1 Peter 1:15–16 “Be holy in all your conduct… for I am holy” - Rev. Sablan described holiness as the visible expression of Scripture forming the believer’s life. Holiness, he said, is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality grounded in obedience to God’s Word. He lamented that many congregations have become busy but not necessarily spiritually fruitful. “We have so many programs but less power… so many activities, less adoration.” Holiness, he argued, begins with desire… a deep longing for God that reorients the believer’s priorities and affections. He reminded the church that “souls aflame with holy desire” are essential for authentic renewal.
Holiness Empowered by the Spirit
Rev. Sablan then turned to the work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that holiness is never the product of human effort alone. Drawing on Isaiah’s vision and Moses’ encounter on Sinai, he affirmed that holiness emerges naturally from an authentic encounter with the living God. Drawing upon the insight of Filipino author Rebecca Mina Palomo, he affirmed that the formation of holiness is ultimately the Spirit’s own undertaking, “He will generate what you cannot create.” Holiness, he said, is “radiant beauty” … the radiance of God’s holiness mirrored in His people. And when asked about the source of transformation or success in ministry, he offered the line that became the defining theme of his sermon, “Because of Jesus… He is my because.” It offered a succinct yet weighty reminder that holiness is grounded not in personal merit, but in Christ’s transforming work in the life of the believer.
Holiness and the Church’s Mission
In the final portion of his message, Rev. Sablan connected personal holiness to the mission of the Global Methodist Church. He quoted John Wesley’s conviction, “Without being holy myself, I cannot promote real holiness in others.” Holiness, he emphasized, is essential for the church’s witness and for the formation of disciples. He celebrated the growth of the Global Methodist Church (now more than 7,000 congregations and over 50 annual conferences) but reminded delegates that such growth is the work of the Holy Spirit, not human strategy. “This is not our work alone,” he said, “but the work of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to multiply disciples throughout the earth.” He concluded with the evocative image from Revelation of the saints laying their crowns before the throne. Those crowns, he explained, embody the honors and victories of God’s people, yet they are freely surrendered in worship. We show deference to human authority; before the holiness of God, we offer everything.
Call to Renew the Church’s Center
Rev. Sablan’s message ultimately summoned the Global Methodist Church to return to the core of its identity… a community formed by Scripture and enlivened by the Holy Spirit and faithful to the call of holiness. He reminded delegates that the church’s strength does not rest in its structures, initiatives, or programs, but in its faithfulness to Christ and its willingness to be formed by His Word. Early in the service, he prayed, “This conference is not about us. It’s about you, Lord.” That single affirmation distilled the heart of his appeal. It offered a fitting conclusion to his sermon and a timely reminder of the church’s vocation in this season of growth and global mission… to remain steadfastly centered on Christ, grounded in Scripture, and devoted to holy living as the defining expression of its witness.
“This conference is not about us. It’s about you, Lord.”- Rev. David Sablan Jr.
Photo courtesy of Global Methodist Church Official Facebook Page