The Pursuit of Holiness

I do not usually recommend very many books on the topic of Christian living. The reason that I do not is because I do not think that most of them are very good. However, I have recently come across one that I think is excellent, and I would like to recommend it to you.

The book is The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. Jerry Bridges wrote another book that I absolutely love called Transforming Grace. Anyway, I picked up The Pursuit of Holiness after studying 1 Peter 1:13-21. This passage reads:

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

1 Peter 1:13-21 (NASB)

The Spirit really impressed upon me that how I live and how I think are important matters to God. As one who would claim to represent Christ, it is very important that I take the admonition "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY" to heart. To this end, I decided to check out Dr. Bridges' book.

I am not through the book, but I did want to share some of the things that I have learned thus far from my reading. One of the most important things that he teaches about holiness is that it is not a matter of seeing victory, but is a matter of obedience. He points out that asking for "victory" is self-focused while walking in"obedience" is God-focused.

As we indulge or engage in sin, no matter what it is, we are putting ourself first. We have told God that our way is best and that He does not know what is most profitable for us. All sin is idolatry at it's most basic level.

So, is the author telling us to not expect to experience victory over sin? No, indeed. He is telling us that victory over sin is a byproduct of our obedience. "As we concentrate on living an obedient, holy life, we will certainly experience the joy of victory over sin." Amen and amen.

Far too often, we pray for God to take our sin away from us but we are not willing to do the things that He has asked. God desires for us to live lives that are holy. We can get there by walking in obedience. What does God's word say?

11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11 (NASB)

Are we in His word? Are we doing the things that he has commanded in His word? Are we hiding God's word in our hearts (memorization of Scripture) that we may be transformed more and more into His likeness?

Pick up The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges when you get a chance. If you are like me, you will be challenged to take obedience to God to another level. Also if you are like me, you will be encouraged that God does not desire to leave me like this, but has given me all that I need to live a life that honors Him.

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence . 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

2 Peter 1:2-4 (NASB)