Christians are Called to be a Holy People

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)

About three years after I became a Christian, I read a book titled The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. It had a profound impact on my understanding of the Scriptures and the Christian life. Bridges book helps us to understand God’s supply for our personal holiness while emphasizing our responsibility. I believe this understanding is truly needed among Christians today.

Christians are called to be a holy people. Holiness is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Holiness is being transformed into a new creature through faith in Jesus Christ. Holiness is also the fruit of the Spirit being expressed in our lives. Holiness is expressed by us to God when we love Him more than all else. Holiness is expressed by our obedience and delight in God’s Glory.

We demonstrate holiness in our lives by conforming to the example of Christ in the Scriptures. Others must see our good works to know the holiness of our walk in Christ. Holiness is the hatred of sin and endeavoring to eradicate it from our lives. Holiness is self-control. We must consistently think Godly thoughts as we conform our minds to the mind of Christ. We must be heavenly minded if we are to be of any earthly good to our Savior.

We must remind ourselves; however, that holiness is a process and will never be completely attained in this life. Christians do sin. However, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us to help us pick ourselves up and continue moving toward the prize of His high calling. We are to repent of our failures and hold on to the strong Anchor of our hope. We must pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in our pursuit of holiness. We must pray for God to bless us in this endeavor. Let us also pray that our lives would honor God for His great work in our salvation.

BTW. If you have not read The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, I highly recommend you do so.