What does "holiness" mean in the context of Hebrews 12:14? The Text Under Review “Pursue peace with all men, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 The Immediate Context: Discipline That Produces Holiness • Hebrews 12:5-11 describes the Father’s loving discipline • Purpose of that discipline: “so that we may share in His holiness” (v. 10) • Verse 13 urges “make straight paths for your feet” — holiness is the straight path that keeps others from stumbling Defining Holiness: Set Apart and Pure • Root idea in Scripture: separation unto God and freedom from moral defilement • Leviticus 19:2 — “Be holy, because I the LORD your God am holy.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes that call for New-Covenant believers • Holiness therefore has two inseparable sides – Positively: devoted to God’s purposes – Negatively: abstaining from sin and impurity Holiness as a Pursuit, Not a Passive State • “Pursue” (diōkō) is an athletic/hunting term implying intentional, energetic effort • Philippians 3:12-14 shows Paul “pressing on” — same verb family • 2 Corinthians 7:1: “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” • Holiness flows from the completed work of Christ yet calls for ongoing cooperation by faith and obedience Holiness and Seeing the Lord • Without holiness “no one will see the Lord” – Points to final, face-to-face communion in glory (1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4) – Also speaks of present experiential fellowship (Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”) • Holiness is not the price we pay for salvation; it is the necessary evidence that salvation is real (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17) Means God Provides for Our Growth in Holiness • The atoning blood of Christ (Hebrews 10:10, 14) — positional sanctification • The indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-25) — empowering for practical holiness • The Word of God (John 17:17; Psalm 119:9, 11) — cleansing and guiding • The fellowship and accountability of the church (Hebrews 10:24-25) • God’s loving discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11) Practical Outworking of Holiness Today • Personal purity: fleeing sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7) • Integrity in speech and conduct (Ephesians 4:25-32) • Compassionate service and generosity (Hebrews 13:16) • Separation from idolatrous values (1 John 2:15-17) • Ongoing repentance and renewal of mind (Romans 12:1-2) Warnings and Encouragements • Hebrews 12:15 warns against any “root of bitterness” that defiles many—lack of holiness can spread • God’s promise: “He who calls you is faithful, and He will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) • Therefore, press on daily in the grace that both saves and sanctifies, looking forward to the unhindered vision of the Lord promised to all who pursue holiness |
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