Pursue Holiness

Pursue Holiness

The call to holiness is central to the Christian life. God, in His perfect nature, is holy, and He desires His people to reflect that holiness in every area of their lives. To pursue holiness is to align ourselves with God’s character, to grow in righteousness, and to be set apart for His purposes.

1. The Call to Holiness

The Bible makes it clear that holiness is not optional for believers—it is a command.

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

— 1 Peter 1:15–16 (NIV)

This passage echoes God’s words in the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44), showing that holiness has always been God’s expectation for His people. It involves a life marked by obedience, purity, and separation from sin.

2. Holiness Through Christ

While God calls us to holiness, we are not left to achieve it on our own. It is through Jesus Christ that we are made holy.

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

— 1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)

Jesus not only provides the example of a holy life but also enables us, through the Holy Spirit, to live out that holiness in our daily walk.

3. The Process of Sanctification

Holiness is both a position and a process. When we believe in Christ, we are declared holy (positional sanctification), but we are also called to grow in holiness throughout our lives (progressive sanctification).

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

— Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

This verse underscores the seriousness of holiness. It’s not merely about morality or behavior—it is about relationship with God. Holiness is evidence of genuine faith and transformation.

4. Pursuing Holiness Daily

To pursue holiness means to intentionally avoid sin and strive to live according to God’s Word.

"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

— 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

It is a daily decision to walk in the Spirit and resist the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). This includes how we think, speak, and act—offering every part of ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13).

5. Encouragement to the Believer

Though the journey toward holiness involves struggle, God's grace is sufficient, and He is faithful to complete the good work He began in us.

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

— Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

We do not pursue holiness to earn God’s love, but because we have received it. It is a response of worship and gratitude to the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Conclusion

To pursue holiness is to pursue God Himself. It is a lifelong journey that transforms us into the image of Christ. As we walk in obedience and yield to the Holy Spirit, we become vessels that reflect God’s glory in a dark and broken world.

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

— 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

— 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)