What is holiness and how do we get it? Biblical holiness stems from a Greek word which basically means "a life that is set apart for God." A person can't be holy in life and conduct while attempting to hold on to God with one hand and the world with the other one. A holy life is one that has surrendered completely to God. That doesn't mean that a person is perfect. It simply means that he has given his life to God and is in the process of being perfected.

Holiness of life actually begins with holiness pursuing us and is continued by our pursuing it. Holiness is a process that begins at the moment of conversion. When Christ's Spirit enters our hearts, then holiness enters our lives because His Spirit is the Holy Spirit. It's at that moment that a process is begun - conformity unto the image of Christ. It's a life long process.

It's important that we understand two basic principles. First, we can't make ourselves holy. That's the deep work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. On the other hand we must pursue holiness of life. We must seek after the Holy Spirit's work to make us conformed unto the image of Christ. The Greek word used in Hebrews 12:14 that says we should "follow peace with all men and holiness" is one that is often used of a hunter seeking and pursuing his prey. We, too, are exhorted to pursue holiness in the same manner - that is with diligence.

We have all the resources that we need to become holy. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Bible, Christ's victory on the cross, and Christian fellowship. Why then do we need to pursue holiness. These wonderful resources must never be taken for granted. If our lives are going to be victorious, then we must fervently seek holiness. For instance, because of Christ's death on the cross, we have fellowship with one another. Yet, we still need to seek a church (a fellowship of believers) where we can interact and grow in our faith. The same is true with holiness of life. Because of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we have everything we need for victory in life. Yet we still need to pursue God's Spirit leading and empowering us to live that victory.

The believer is called to be a follower. As we follow (pursue) the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives, we will supernaturally naturally be conformed unto the image of Christ. That's the strategy of the Christian for victory. We simply set out in pursuit of the Holy Spirit. We obey His leading. We follow His guidance. The end result is holiness of life purity of heart. Our conduct becomes that which is pleasing unto God. The Christian life begins with holiness pursuing us, but victory is maintained as we pursue holiness.