“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Whereas Paul wrote to young Timothy, instructing him to pursue “peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart,” here he broadens this command to “all people” as he writes to the Hebrews who have been converted to Christ.
The word “Pursue” gives urgency to this passage for every Christian—the effort enjoined is not to be sought after casually nor nonchalantly—rather it is to be sought after with determination and focus. It is a command, not a suggestion.
Coupled with “Pursue peace” is the word “holiness,” implying the kind of lifestyle that is to accompany such a pursuit. “Holiness” carries with it the idea of drawing near to God, of maintaining a pure way of life as commanded in scripture, and of having a decided determination to follow all the commands Jesus left us in His Word.
Only then, can we have an assured hope of being acceptable to the Lord when we stand before Him in judgement and of receiving the priceless reward that He has promised the faithful.
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