PEACE AND HOLINESS. Hebrews 12:14 Consecration is described in this context by the words, “Follow peace with all men.” We are to live at peace with all men as much as possible [Rom.12:18]. It will not always be possible, for truth must not be sacrificed to peace. We should not give offense needlessly. Usually, offense arises from a lack of consideration for one another – selfishness. If it is necessary, let reproof be given in love; if offense is taken, we should not respond with coldness. If one acts as an enemy, we should treat him as a friend [Rom.12:20]. That is living peacefully. If peace is fleeing, we can’t help that, but we are to pursue it. “Follow after” implies positive activity; we seek the positive good of all, yet we cannot cease to testify against evil.
Sin blocks our vision, so if we want to see God, we must turn away from sin and commit ourselves to obeying Him. Peace and holiness are provided by God so that we can be fit to be in His presence and serve Him. When we are in the right relationship with God, the way is open to maintaining a right relationship with His people. We may not always feel emotional love toward them, but when we “pursue peace,” blessings come. Jealousy, strife, and evil speaking are opposed to peace. The pursuit of peace and holiness, along with a cleansed heart, is the fruit of being set apart by God.
Salvation provides for holiness that begins with our sanctification unto God at salvation and continues in progressive sanctification throughout our daily lives. By the grace of God, we are able to live upright, self-controlled, and godly lives when we deliberately say “No” to all that is ungodly. The wisdom from God that makes this possible is first pure and then peaceable.
No one is allowed to receive salvation without the obligation to seek holiness. Salvation by grace is not permission to live an unholy life. Sanctification is to be pursued as we live unto the Lord, to keep the soul focused. Separation must be of the mind as well as the body. We can withdraw from the world, but if the mind is in it, it avails nothing. If the heart and mind are there, it won’t be long before the body follows.
The way you know whether it is of the world or not, the criterion is, “not of the Father.” It is not left to us to make the selection. Growth in divine life is measured by separation. Some things are developed easily; others require great effort. The Lord was always a stranger when He was here [Jn.17:16]. “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” The study of the word brings true separation. We are not saved in the world, but saved out of the world. Citizens of heaven on a mission to earth are never content to be bogged down in earthly things.
We have the Word of God, which is our best instruction in the way of holiness. Becoming holy, or literally, holy-making, brings us into fellowship with God and makes us “partakers” of His holiness. In our spirits, we can live in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus and find our joy where He finds His – in fellowship with Him and His people.
When we “pursue peace with all men,” it is a choice we make. When we pursue sanctification, we are set apart or handed over to God by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have become “the righteousness of God in Him.” We are “not of the world, even as [He] is not of the world.” The
Holy Spirit is working in us to sanctify us so that we do not practice sin. Our pursuit doesn’t sanctify us, but it leads us to the Word of God, which sanctifies us through its truth.
Assembly life is also a way our spiritual life is nourished in truth and love. The goodness and pleasantness of unity have a strong sanctifying effect on us when we assemble together and “follow peace,” living it by word, example, and fellowship. When God’s peace is in us, we “love the brethren.”