Holiness and the Grace of God

The pursuit of holiness and the experience of God's mercy and grace are not opposing forces but two intertwined aspects of the believer's life in Christ. Scripture calls believers to a life of holiness, yet it also emphasizes the boundless mercy and grace of God that sustains and empowers this pursuit. Let us explore how these concepts harmonize.

1. The Call to Holiness

Believers are commanded to pursue holiness, reflecting the character of God. Scriptures like 1 Peter 1:15-16 declare, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." This command highlights the need for believers to live set-apart lives, consecrated to God’s will. Hebrews 12:14 underscores this urgency, stating, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Holiness is not an optional characteristic of a believer’s life; it is essential to seeing and knowing God.

However, this high calling often reveals the limitations and weaknesses of humanity. Our sinful nature conflicts with the call to holiness, and left to our own strength, we would falter. This is where God’s grace and mercy step in, providing the strength, forgiveness, and empowerment needed to live a holy life.

2. God's Mercy: A Foundation for Holiness

God's mercy is the foundation upon which our pursuit of holiness stands. The mercy of God does not lower His standards of holiness, but it provides the forgiveness and restoration necessary when we fall short. Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) reminds us: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." God's mercy sustains us and keeps us from the consequences of our sins, offering us a fresh start each day.

The mercy of God also reminds us that He is patient with our imperfections as we grow in holiness. As we strive to live holy lives, we will stumble at times, but Psalm 103:8-10 (KJV) assures us: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." God’s mercy forgives our shortcomings and provides the grace to continue moving forward on the path to holiness.

3. God's Grace: Empowerment for Holiness

While God's mercy forgives us, His grace empowers us to live the holy lives He calls us to. Grace is not merely the unmerited favor that saves us; it is the divine power that transforms us. Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." God’s grace instructs us and enables us to reject sin and live godly lives.

Holiness, then, is not a product of human effort alone but the result of cooperating with God's grace. Philippians 2:13 (KJV) puts it this way: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." The power to live a holy life comes from God working within us through His grace, transforming our desires and actions to align with His will.

4. Balancing Holiness with Mercy and Grace

Holiness and God's mercy and grace are not in conflict, but in fact, work together in the believer's life. Romans 6:1-2 (KJV) addresses this balance: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" God's grace does not give us license to sin but empowers us to live above it. His mercy ensures that when we do fall, we are not cast away but can come boldly to Him for forgiveness and renewal.

Living in holiness is a response to God's mercy and grace. It is a grateful offering of our lives as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" (Romans 12:1 KJV), motivated not by fear of judgment but by the recognition of His love and compassion. As we pursue holiness, we must remember that our journey is sustained by God's mercy, and the ability to fulfill His call is through His empowering grace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, believers are called to live in holiness, reflecting the character of God in all they do. Yet, this pursuit is not without divine help. God's mercy forgives our failings, giving us new opportunities to grow in holiness, while His grace empowers us to live lives that honor Him. Thus, we pursue holiness not in our strength but in humble reliance on God's mercy and grace, which carry us through. In this way, the call to holiness and the experience of God's mercy and grace become a beautiful harmony in the life of the believer.