Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Why this matters
Believers must pursue peace and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Scripture category
Holiness
Separation from sin and consecration to God in inward character, body, conduct, and visible life.
Primary references
14 passages ordered for real conversation
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Why this matters
The body belongs to God as the Spirit’s temple and must glorify Him.
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Why this matters
The Holy One who called believers requires holiness throughout their conduct.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Why this matters
God’s will is sanctification, including sexual purity and honorable control of the body.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Why this matters
Believers offer their bodies to God and resist the world through renewed minds.
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.
Why this matters
God’s promises move believers to cleanse flesh and spirit and complete holiness in reverence.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Why this matters
God calls His people out of defiling fellowship and receives them as sons and daughters.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Why this matters
Love for the Father is incompatible with devotion to the world’s lust, pride, and passing system.
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Why this matters
Paul joins modest presentation with the good works fitting people who profess godliness.
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Why this matters
Christian change puts off the corrupt old life, renews the mind, and puts on the new person in true holiness.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Why this matters
Walking in the Spirit overcomes the ruling desires of the flesh.
For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Why this matters
God grounds Israel’s holiness in His own holy character.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Why this matters
The pure in heart receive the promise of seeing God.
Psalm 24:3-4KJV
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Why this matters
Approaching God requires clean hands, a pure heart, and freedom from idols and deceit.