Has anyone ever demanded something from you? To get what they want, they may bully you. Others may use guilt tactics or subtle manipulation. No matter what method they use, you come away feeling pressured, used, or abused. Their manipulation causes you to pull away—or comply reluctantly. Manipulation and demands never motivate you to be your best and to do your best work. A leader with an “it’s all about the task that needs to be accomplished” mentality may get things done—but they will strain many relationships along the way. God is not like that. He is not trying to coerce you into acting holy; instead, He provides holiness for you through Jesus Christ.
Do we view God as a demanding deity that expects us to do what seems impossible and work towards a goal we may never achieve? Is holiness a test, or is it rest in the finished work of Christ? Are we running on the hamster wheel of performance-based holiness, trying to reach some obscure level of right living? Have we become weary and burdened while striving to live up to our Christian values?
Hebrews 10:10 NIV says, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
We have been made holy, by God’s will, through the sacrifice of Jesus’ body, once for all. I just did a happy dance. This is exciting news! We do not need to muster up enough willpower to make ourselves holy. God willed our holiness into existence. Yes, we have a part to play, but we must first trust that the holiness God requires, He has also provided. Our efforts to make ourselves holy will fall woefully short if His holiness is not the well from which we draw.
Please don’t miss the last three words in Hebrews 10:10, “once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is a one and done. Not only did He pay for our sins on the cross, the cross is also where He made us holy. Jesus’ holiness was transferred to our account, and our unholiness was transferred to His account – “once for all.”
Jesus paid every debt and provided all holiness. However, not everyone benefits from His payment and provision because not everyone reaches out to God to accept what He has provided. The Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world, has finished His work. In the ultimate act of love, He provided forgiveness, acceptance, righteousness, and holiness for the entire world. Like any other gift, one must reach out and accept it.
If you have never accepted God’s amazing gift, you can do so right now. Pray and ask God to forgive you of all your sins and invite Him into your life. Let Him know you believe in Jesus and you are placing your trust in who He is—and what He has done for you.
If you are already a follower of Jesus, but you have been trusting in your ability to perform in a righteous and holy manner, ask God to forgive you. Let Him know you no longer want to trust in your effort and performance. Next, proclaim your total dependents on His righteousness and holiness.
Embrace God’s love and His gift of holiness, and you will live a loving and holy life.