+DEV+ Holiness Is Not An Option

Date: December 26, 2013 10:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Holiness Is Not An Option

Holiness Is Not An Option

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)

Scripture Focus: Hebrews12:14-24

A few years ago when I was in the market for a new car, I learned that in new-car sales there is the basic price and then there is the price with all the options. I'm not sure how car manufacturers determine what is "basic" and what is "optional," but the difference sure changes the cost!

Christians sometimes use "basic" and "optional" as categories for behavior. "Kindness, devotion, patience"... basic Christian principles. But something like "holiness" is usually placed in the optional category and treated as such.

The Bible, however, allows for no such division. Personal holiness is not an option. For "without holiness, no one will see the Lord" (vs. 14). While we know that Christ's holiness is imputed to us (1 Corinthians 1:30), the author of Hebrews also tells us to make every effort to be holy. Paul notes that we're chosen to be "conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Romans 8:29). It is God at work in us to make us like Christ. And He requires our wholehearted effort.

Insight: Lord, help me be cooperative in all that you have planned for me.


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