The Pursuit of Holiness

Bridges states that holiness is not just for especially religious people, but a direct command from God, based on His character: 'Be holy, for I am holy.' This command, found in both the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:15-16), means that seeking holiness is a key part of living as a Christian. It is not about being perfect, but about a continuous, conscious effort to live according to God's moral standards. Not seeking holiness means ignoring a basic part of God's will for His people, which shows a misunderstanding ...

Bridges challenges a passive approach to sanctification. He says that God gives the power, but we are responsible for the 'pursuit.' This means diligent effort, self-discipline, and a conscious choice to obey God's Word. It is not a situation where we do nothing and 'let go, let God,' but an active use of our will, mind, and body to resist sin and develop righteousness. God's grace fuels this effort, but it does not lessen our responsibility. Think of it like training for a sport: the coach gives the plan and motivation, but the athle...

While our effort is important, Bridges makes it clear that we cannot achieve holiness through willpower alone. God's grace, specifically the Holy Spirit living in us, enables us. The Spirit shows us our sin, empowers us to obey, and changes our desires. This means our efforts are not self-reliant but depend on the Spirit. We strive, knowing that it is God 'who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose' (Philippians 2:13). This divine help removes the burden of impossible self-perfection and replaces it with the joy...

This is a difficult but basic truth: Bridges says that every sin we commit is ultimately a choice. While circumstances, temptations, and our fallen nature certainly affect us, they do not force us. We always can say 'no' to sin, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This view breaks down the excuses we often make for our failures ('I couldn't help it,' 'It just happened') and puts responsibility on us. Understanding sin as a choice is important for repentance and for actively resisting temptation, as it highlights our role in the fight for ho...

Bridges uses the biblical idea of 'mortification' (from Romans 8:13 and Colossians 3:5), which means actively 'putting to death' our sinful desires and practices. This is not a one-time event but a continuous, aggressive spiritual fight against the 'flesh.' It involves identifying specific sins, confessing them, and then actively taking steps to weaken those sinful desires and develop their righteous opposites. This requires watchfulness, self-denial, and a willingness to accept discomfort for the sake of godliness. It is a harsh but ...

Bridges stresses the essential role of God's Word in seeking holiness. Scripture shows God's character, defines sin, describes righteous living, and provides principles for spiritual growth. Without regularly reading the Bible, our understanding of holiness becomes subjective, our efforts go in the wrong direction, and our spiritual discernment weakens. The Word acts as a mirror, showing us our true condition; a lamp, guiding our steps; and a sword, enabling us to fight sin. It is not just intellectual knowledge but a transforming pow...

A common misunderstanding is that holiness is simply about not doing bad things. Bridges corrects this, saying that true holiness is a positive, active pursuit of righteousness and Christ's virtues. It is not enough to stop lying; we must also seek truthfulness. It is not enough to stop being angry; we must cultivate patience and love. This 'positive' side of holiness involves actively putting on the 'new self' (Ephesians 4:24), developing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and imitating Christ in our thoughts, words, and ac...

No one seeks holiness alone. Bridges highlights the important role of Christian community and accountability. Having trusted brothers and sisters in Christ who can encourage us, pray for us, challenge us, and lovingly confront our sin is very valuable. This shared journey gives perspective, reduces chances for self-deception, and offers needed support during struggles or discouragement. True accountability is not just reporting failures but actively inviting others into our spiritual lives to help us become more like Christ. It protec...

Bridges carefully distinguishes between justification and sanctification, an important theological point for avoiding despair and legalism. Justification is a one-time legal act where God declares us righteous based on Christ's perfect life and death—it is imputed righteousness. Sanctification, on the other hand, is the ongoing process of becoming actually holy in our character and conduct. We are justified by faith alone, but we are sanctified through faith and diligent effort, empowered by the Spirit. Mixing these two can lead to th...

Bridges ends by reminding us of the main reason for seeking holiness: to glorify God. When believers live lives that reflect God's character—lives of integrity, love, purity, and righteousness—they show His goodness and power in a fallen world. Our holiness is not for our own pride or comfort, but so that others might 'see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven' (Matthew 5:16). This higher purpose gives strong motivation, turning the often-difficult struggle against sin into a joyful act of worship and devotion.