12/18/2022
We read in scripture that we are to strive for peace with everyone so that we can see the Lord, and we think that maybe with our own effort we can accomplish this, but along with that it is written that we should also strive for holiness, and we have no idea how we can possibly become holy. Perhaps this is because we see who we are, and the decrepit nature of our starting point. When we compare this with the ultimate goal of achieving holiness, we wonder how it is possible to do that. So how do we become holy? Is holiness something that man can accomplish, or is it unobtainable for us?
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 ESV
We seem to get mixed singles about holiness, and being holy. Let’s begin in First Samuel where we think we are being told that only God is Holy. Some read here that none is like God in reference to holiness, and take that to mean that only God is Holy. If that is true then how will we ever achieve holiness? Here is the verse…
““There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
1 Samuel 2:2 ESV
What we are reading in this verse is actually that our God is more Holy than any other… not that we cannot possibly be holy in any way or degree. Holiness like love, or goodness, is not simply on or off, but variable in degree and intensity. It is similar to our opening verse from Hebrews that told us to strive for peace, and holiness, but did not tell us a degree that we should reach before at last we will see the Lord. God desires that we be holy.
“For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”
1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV
Becoming holy is much like waiting on Jesus to return to claim His bride, no man knows the day and time when that will happen, and none knows to what degree we must be holy before we will be allowed to see the Lord. Knowing the day that Jesus will come, or the degree to which we must become holy, is not nearly as important as striving to be prepared for that day, or for being holy enough to see the Lord. Jesus reiterated this in the parable of the ten virgins when he told us what the groom said to the five unprepared virgins who had to go buy oil for their lamps and were not prepared when he arrived…
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Matthew 25:11-13 ESV
Striving for the goal, watching diligently for Jesus, and working continuously for an ever increasing degree of love, goodness, and yes, holiness, keep us attuned, and in pursuit of our faith. We should never be satisfied with the tiny mustard seed we have been given, nor the initial helping of any characteristics of God to which we aspire; His character is boundless, and our desire for them should be as well.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
So how are we to become holy? How are we to be set apart, sanctified, and righteous… thus achieving the holiness that we once thought unobtainable? We do so in three ways in particular…
By belief in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ:
“For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.”
Hebrews 10:10 NLT
By prayer, intercession, and Faith:
“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,”
Jude 1:20 NLT
By being transformed so that we live as Jesus lived:
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
So, if we are to see the Lord then we must certainly live in peace, and become holy, but neither of these is out of our reach because God desires us to obtain them, and not only makes them possible, but helps us. Are we ready to strive for them today?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling us to be at peace with one another, and holy in our lives. Thank you for giving us a mustard seed of faith, and teaching us that it grows throughout our lives as we seek to know you more. We thank you always for teaching us that each of the character traits you have given us does the same, and that it is more than possible for us to grow in what once seemed impossible… holiness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your Son as a sacrifice for us. Praised be your name for preparing a way through Jesus Christ for our redemption, and ultimate holiness. Merciful are you, and great is the grace you pour over us. Wash us in the blood of Jesus and cleanse us of sin so that we might obtain holiness, and one day see you, our Lord. Judge us not Holy Father by a certain degree, nor intensity of faith and holiness we have been able to master in our lives, but by our striving, and their manifestation in Jesus who abides in in us. Let us be holy as He is holy, and pleasing in your sight as we look in fear and trembling to you for the promise of eternity in your presence.
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.””
1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV
Rich Forbes