No Holiness, No Heaven?

January 1, 2003 by Bob Wilkin in Grace in Focus Articles

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12:14). Some believe the author of Hebrews is saying that we must achieve a certain level of holiness in order to make it into the kingdom. But that’s impossible for two reasons. First, the Lord Jesus promises eternal life to all who simply believe in Him (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:35-40, 47; 11:25-27). Second, failure is possible in the Christian life (Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 11:30; Heb 12:15).

Hebrews 12:14 says that we are to pursue now what we will be forever (1 John 3:2).

Of course, instead of pursuing peace and holiness, believers can grow bitter (Heb 12:15). Those who do will miss out on our birthright, which is ruling with Christ as His partners (12:16-17; cf. 1:9; 3:14). May we pursue now what will be best for us forever.

Bob Wilkin

Bob Wilkin (ThM, PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is the Founder and Executive Director of Grace Evangelical Society and co-host of Grace in Focus Radio. He lives in Highland Village, TX with his wife, Sharon. His latest books are Faith Alone in One Hundred Verses and Turn and Live: The Power of Repentance.

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