The concept of perfecting holiness is a central theme in Christian conduct, emphasizing the believer's journey toward spiritual maturity and sanctification. Holiness, in the biblical sense, refers to being set apart for God's purposes and living in a manner that reflects His character. The call to holiness is rooted in the nature of God Himself, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Biblical Foundation

The pursuit of holiness is a response to God's grace and a reflection of His transformative work in the believer's life. In 2 Corinthians 7:1 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This verse highlights the dual aspect of holiness: the divine promise and the human responsibility to actively pursue purity and righteousness.

Sanctification Process

Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is both a definitive act and a progressive journey. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This indicates that while believers are positionally sanctified through Christ's sacrifice, they are also called to grow in holiness throughout their lives.

Practical Aspects of Holiness

1. Separation from Sin: Holiness involves a conscious effort to turn away from sin and worldly influences. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is essential for living a life that honors God.

2. Pursuit of Righteousness: Holiness is not merely the absence of sin but the presence of righteousness. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

3. Love and Obedience: The pursuit of holiness is intrinsically linked to love and obedience to God's commandments. Jesus stated in John 14:15 , "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Love for God and others is a hallmark of a holy life.

4. Community and Accountability: The Christian community plays a vital role in encouraging and supporting one another in the pursuit of holiness. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together."

Challenges and Encouragement

The journey toward perfecting holiness is fraught with challenges, including spiritual warfare, temptation, and the ongoing struggle against the flesh. However, believers are encouraged by the assurance of God's presence and power. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."

Eternal Perspective

The pursuit of holiness is ultimately motivated by the hope of eternal life and the desire to see God. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This eternal perspective fuels the believer's commitment to live a life that is pleasing to God, knowing that holiness is both a present calling and a future promise.Matthew 5:48
Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fruit of the Light
... there is the field on which Christian effort is ... and still more to manifest in conduct,
the fruit ... all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the fruit of the light.htm

Creed of the Free Christian Church in Italy.
... alone perfect and immutable rule of faith and conduct. ... fare, egli trova V. The Christian,
redeemed with a ... various special ministries for the perfecting of the ...
/.../creed of the free christian.htm

On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life.
... pampered, and the man and the Christian be starved ... all filthiness of flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in thy ... and give up ourselves to the conduct of thy ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part iii on the difficulties.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... then Sanctification has to do with our character and conduct. ... in the life of the
true Christian, an ever ... There is such a thing as "perfecting holiness" (2:Cor.7 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Family Likeness
... even so wide and wonderful an attainment as perfecting like God's ... does not mean talk,
but conduct; that it ... says that every part of the Christian man's activity ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the family likeness.htm

Sanctification.
... all the will of God," be not Christian perfection, what ... his approbation of the views
and conduct of Epaphras ... of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvii sanctification.htm

Fruits and the Two Works.
... We are to manifest meekness in our whole conduct. ... Cornelius was a devout Christian
man, fearing God, giving ... of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vi fruits and the.htm

In Internal Contemplative Ways a Guide is Necessary, and Why? 2...
... every good, faithful, and true Christian (as truth ... ways of the spirit which conduct
to contemplation ... instrumental to the advancing and perfecting of holiness ...
/.../chapter i in internal contemplative.htm

God's Imitators
... the whole teaching of the New Testament on the subject of Christian character and
conduct. ... the love that is the life of God and the perfecting of man ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/gods imitators.htm

The Sixth Beatitude
... all filthiniess of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the ... in mind, heart, will,
and conduct, with God ... is what is possible for a Christian holding fast by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the sixth beatitude.htm

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