Highlight:

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:14

Explanation:

We must remember that not all the people written to in the book of Hebrews were believers.  Some were Jews who were intellectually convinced but had not put their trust in Christ.  Pursuing holiness should mean to draw near to God with full faith (Hebrews 10:14, 22) and accepting Christ as Savior for covering our sin through his sacrifice.  What these people need is true faith in Christ to receive a holiness that is not their own, but once received is developed in them through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Application

“Follow peace with all men”- Another way of thinking about this verse is “pursue peace”.  When it is possible the path of peace is generally the right path.  Who am I on a course for possible unnecessary conflict with, and how can I avoid such conflict?

“And holiness”- Do I have the holiness of Christ through faith in Him, and forgiveness from the father based on His righteousness imputed to my account?  If I am saved, am I working with God to pursue actual holiness in my living?

Response:

Who do I need to talk to today to make sure I am pursuing peace?

Is there any gap in holy living in my life?