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_________________________________________________ Heritage Baptist Bible Church Dr. Max D. Younce, Pastor Walnut Grove, MN - USA Bible Questions and Answers _____________________________________________________ |
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Bible Questions & Answers Archive
Holiness By: Dr. Max D. Younce
0072
Question It seems to me, from Hebrews 12:14, we must pursue holiness to obtain eternal life. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." I am interested to have your response. Answer
The word "holiness" appears twice in Chapter 12, once
in Verse 10 and Verse 14. Verse 10 is referring to the Christian’s walk
with the Lord and Verse 14 talks about our position with the Lord. The
verses preceding Verse 10 tell of God chastening His children, in love,
so they will show forth His holiness in their lives. The Greek word for
"holiness" here is "hagiotes". It is the abstract quality of holiness
that we, as Christians, display by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are
to partake of His holiness in fellowship and show it forth in our lives,
thus eliminating God’s chastening. There is a different Greek word for "holiness" in
Verse 10, "hagirsmos", which means "set apart". When a person accepts
Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they are indwelt with the Holy
Spirit which is the perfect holiness and righteousness of God. We are
then set apart as His children. Romans 8:9 makes this clear. "Now if
any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." You
cannot follow something you do not already have. In Verses 5-8, God reminds the Christians they are
still His sons (used 5 times) even though He is chastening them for
their sins. The flesh cannot "produce peace with all men (i.e. those who
hate you, lie about you, etc.) and holiness", only the Holy Spirit can
do this. Therefore, no person without the Holy Spirit "shall see the
Lord". We are to yield to the Holy Spirit as II Timothy 2:22
says. "Flee also youthful lusts: but FOLLOW righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
One cannot follow the Holy Spirit unless you have the Holy
Spirit. |
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