Again, I refer you to Hebrews 12:5-14. Holiness is measured by the law: Outward and inward holiness is measured by God’s absolute standard, the moral law. The law brings the sinner to Christ, but grace and mercy relieves us of the penalty of sin. Therefore, the first thing that must be associated with holiness is the knowledge and awareness of sin which permeates the soul. I say to the unsaved sinner, you can never mentally, spiritually and physically live in holiness until or unless you acknowledge your sinfulness before a perfect and holy God, repent and acknowledge Christ as the only way to God and glory. Doing, saying, thinking or even imagining anything that is not in perfect harmony with God’s will is sin. Have you ever done, said, or even imagined anything that was not in perfect harmony with God’s will? The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 6:36 that [there is] no man which sinneth not… Solomon said in Proverbs 14:21 “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth…” Ecclesiastes 7:20 “For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ezekiel 18:4 “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Can anyone be found who is not in some way conformed to the world or worldliness? Has anyone completely transformed their lives so that you “may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God?” Unless you have always without fail kept the holy law of God to the letter all of your life, both in your mind and in your actions, you are a sinner; and without Christ you are still bound for hell.
Holiness is demanded by God: The context of this verse is not meant for the condemning of the soul, but for the exhortation of the believer unto personal holiness. Our heavenly Father chastens us because He loves us and expects us to be holy even as He Himself is holy. 1 Peter 1:15 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” Therefore, we must not console ourselves that we are not perfect. We must not excuse ourselves that our shortfalls are due to the Adamic nature. Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God. It is your duty and responsibility to strive for perfection or spiritual maturity in this life. The admonishment in Romans 12 1-2 is to, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” and not be conformed to the world’s standards; and how is that possible? by transformation and renewing of the mind by the grace of God; therefore, proving “what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
CONCLUSION: Our text tells us that, without holiness no one will be in the presence of the Lord. Do not expect to go to heaven without possessing true holiness. True holiness comes not as a result of an outward lifestyle; rather, the new birth is manifested by our outward life style. Though outward holiness is not insurance of salvation it is certainly assurance of salvation. Even though a person claims to be saved, you cannot be consciously sure of that unless you are actively following after God’s holiness. Each of us has the same circumstance set before us every day even as Moses. What have you chosen today? If you have chosen holiness, you will identify with Christ and live as He lived. Matthew 5:8 “Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God”. E-mail, johnpruitt@frontiernet.net
