The Pursuit For Holiness

August 3, 2026

HEBREWS 12:14 NKJV – (14) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Holiness refers to the state of being set apart for God's service, characterized by moral purity and a connection to the divine. It signifies a separation from sin and a dedication to God's will.

In various religious contexts, holiness is associated with specific practices, places, or individuals deemed sacred or consecrated.

How can we be Holy? Holiness is often misunderstood when we hear that God is holy we imagine dazzling light or shimmering glory. And rightly so for He alone is infinitely pure and set apart. Yet God calls His people to share in that holiness. To be set apart even in our everyday lives. How does that look in practice? Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come, (REVELATION 4:8).

Not only do we have access to God's presence, but the very Spirit of Holiness dwells within us as believers. The Holy Spirit, the source of God's holiness, resides in us, transforming us from the inside out. This reality carries a profound implication: wherever we go, the Holy Spirit goes with us. Our choices, our words, and our actions are all influenced by the presence of the Holy One within us. We can no longer live as we once did, for we are now the temples of the living God (1 CORINTHIANS 6:19).

A common command given in the New Testament is for Christians to seek peace between themselves and others (ROMANS 12:18; 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:13). In fact, this capacity to "get along" is tied closely to our spiritual maturity (JAMES 3:17; 1 TIMOTHY 3:3; GALATIANS 5:22).

This is especially important when it comes to relationships between other Christians. Not only does mutual love serve to build up the church, it is a primary sign to the world that we're disciples of Christ (JOHN 13:35; 1 JOHN 3:14; 4:21). Along with mutual peace, the writer encourages a life of holiness. Again, this is a common theme of New Testament teaching. Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live godly, righteous, moral lives (2 TIMOTHY 1:7). Now, pursue that peace and holiness that only God provides.

SCRIPTURE READING:

EPHESIANS 2:18

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, remember, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.