Pursuing HolinessSample

Why Do We Want to Be Holy? 

Pursing holiness toward personal sanctification is not an end in itself. Yes, we want to be holy, but why do we want to be holy? What is the purpose of holiness? 

1. That we might glorify God by being made fit for heaven and prepared for the beatific vision when we see God face to face - God is our reward, not simply being more like Him. 
2. As an act of love for others that we might disciple them to that same joy.

As you consider God’s holiness and your desire to be holy, think through each of these reasons to be holy. 

• God has called us to holiness. The God who created the whole universe cares about the state of your soul and your life and commands you to be holy because he is holy. 
• Holiness evidences our justification. We can see the sanctification, the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. We can point to our growing in holiness as proof that God has saved us and made us new!
• Without holiness, all things are defiled. This world and our lives are broken and contaminated with sin. As we become sanctified, we experience the freedom of being made new and being able to reject sin. 
• Holiness augments your spiritual health and ability to see God. Only holy people can see God, and we were created to see him. God has revealed himself, and it is for our joy that he gives us holy eyes to see. 
• Holiness fosters assurance. If you want to put anxiety and doubt behind you, pursue holiness and recognize eternal security by grace, through faith, in Christ. 
• Holiness is essential for service to God. Become a vessel of honor fit to serve our holy God, useful to the Master. 
• Holiness makes you resemble God. A family resemblance is critical. We who have been adopted as children of God are to be conformed to the image of his Son. 
• The God you love loves holiness. We are to hate what God hates and love what God loves. 
• Holiness fits you for heaven. We were made to be eternally with our God, and he is preparing us for that life eternal in perfect joy and peace without sin. 

God has purpose in all that he does and all that he commands. God commands us to be holy so that we can best experience him and help others to reach that same end. 

Reflection Questions

What is the most compelling reason for you to pursue holiness?

Why is it helpful to know that there is purpose in our pursuing holiness? 

Will you be able to explain God’s purpose in holiness to another Christian? 

How is becoming holy different than being obedient?