Holiness Is Essential

Hebrews 12:14

Published on: March 14, 2026

Last updated on: March 14, 2026

Photo by Ed Jarrett

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 NIV

This verse gives two directives. The first is to make every effort to live at peace with everyone. It can also be translated as “with everyone make every effort to live in peace.” Whether it is me making an effort to live at peace with everyone or all of us striving to be at peace with each other, the effect is the same. Peace should reign within the body of Christ.

We are then told that we need to be holy. That without holiness, a person will not see God. We have been made holy by the sanctifying blood of Jesus. But that is not what the author of Hebrews is referring to here. His concern is with the way I live my life. That I seek to be holy each day and in all that I do. This directive is not limited to Hebrews. Throughout the Scripture, we are instructed to live holy lives, distinct from the people we live amongst. This involves both moral purity and being dedicated to God’s use.

Being Holy

This directive to be holy is not optional; holiness is essential. Without holiness, we will not see God. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of believing that so long as I have accepted Jesus as my savior, all is well. But the Scripture, including this passage, tells a different story. God does indeed work in my life, transforming me into the image of Christ. But I am called to participate in that transformation, leaving my old way of life behind, taking up my cross, and following Jesus as my Lord. And that is what holiness is all about, being a willing lump of clay that God will mold into His likeness and for His own use.

Standing on Holy Ground – Exodus 3:5

What do you do when you come into God’s presence? God told Moses to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.

The Danger of a Holy God – Numbers 4:20

We can approach God as our Abba, Father. But he is a holy God. Come before him in worship and praise, and also with fear and trembling.

Shrewd as Snakes and Innocent as Doves – Matthew 10:16

Be as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as a dove. Walk through this life with your eyes wide open. And seek to live a holy life.

Waging War on Sinful Desires – 1 Peter 2:11

It is important to recognize which desires lead to actions that are sinful and hinder my walk with God, and abstain from them.

(This post was originally published on

August 18, 2022

)

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Bible Study Hebrews Holiness

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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