Day 17 - The Advance of Holiness

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Personal responsibility in the advance of personal holiness is kind of a foreign concept. We are so quick to confess, “I am a sinner,” that it seems blasphemous to imagine that we may be able to be more holy. What’s more, the pursuit of personal holiness now earns one the misapplied charge of legalism. How can a sinner be holy? Surely such an endeavor is no more than a fleshly effort at self-righteousness.

As we consider personal holiness, it would be wise to acknowledge that Christ would not command us to do what is impossible. The instruction to pursue holiness is a practical instruction. What then of the charge that putting forth effort to be holy is akin to legalism? First off, we should understand that if such a charge were true, it would mean that our text would be encouraging what Scripture condemns. Beyond that, we need to understand what legalism really is. Scripture identifies a legalistic heart as that which seeks to add things as prerequisites to salvation. It is not legalism if salvation motivates me to pursue holiness. Rather it is obedience. What is more, the pursuit of holiness does not happen in a vacuum. What I mean by this is that personal effort does not imply the absence of divine input. The Spirit of God testifies with my spirit. The two work together toward the end goal of holiness. The Word of God has gone forth to achieve the purpose for which it has been sent. Personal effort never occurs apart from the Spirit and the Word because as believers we are always influenced and equipped by both.

Questions for consideration: The Lord commands, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). If this command is a practical command, what actions can we take to fulfill it? How can we ensure that such actions do not lead us into a legalistic holiness?