See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” ( Hebrews 12:15 )

Grace does not stop being extended to mankind once they are born again. The opposite is actually true; through Jesus we receive grace upon grace ( John 1:16 ). God’s grace is continually influencing us as believers. His grace is the anchor that keeps us turned and focused on Christ, growing in faith, growing in the knowledge of God and it is what continually strengthens us in His love. Remaining steadfast in that grace protects us from harm.

One of the admonishments from the writer of Hebrews is to be on the lookout for one another; encouraging each other to remain secure in the state of grace, God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing. Grace protects our heart from allowing bitterness from situations and experiences to creep in and wreak havoc. The attitude of bitterness is likened to a bitter root that grows and produces fruit of its kind.

It is interesting that bitterness will not only affect your own life but this verse explains that when it grows it will cause trouble by defiling many. By definition defilement means to stain, to soil, to sully or to contaminate. Bitterness can overflow and take root in others very easily when unchecked and released. This is why we must pay attention to the grace of God. His grace covers a multitude of sins. His grace has the power to wash over resentment, hurt and misunderstandings so bitterness has no place to grow. His grace can replace hurt with healing, which is exactly what it will do when we let it.

In the previous verse, we are encouraged to live at peace and be holy, this verse provides a practical way in which to do this; we are to remain steadfast in God’s grace allowing it to dictate our reaction to all situations. God’s grace is what transforms us continually into the men and women He has called us to be. What an amazing truth!

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” ( Hebrews 12:14 )

In following the example set forth by the Lord Jesus we are to toss off everything that hinders us looking to Him as our example of perseverance and faith ( Hebrews 12:1-3 ). One way to accomplish this is to live at peace with others and to pursue holiness.

Holiness can be defined in two ways. First holiness means consecration and purification, it is the result of being set apart to God ( I Corinthians 1:30, II Thessalonians 2:13, I Peter 1:2 ). This happens when we enter into a relationship with God by faith in Jesus ( Acts 26:18, I Corinthians 6:11 ).

Paul said in Romans, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” ( Romans 6:22 ). Holiness is a byproduct of our union with Christ, it is the reward of that union. It is not through natural means that we possess this. Sanctification comes only through Christ Jesus as a gift.

Secondly, holiness is also the effect of being consecrated or being set apart. It is sanctification of our heart and what becomes evident in our daily lives through union with God. It is the outgrowth of leaving behind old desires and pursuing the things of God. Sanctification is a process for the believer ( I Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7, Romans 6:19, 22, I Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 12:14 ).

In the New Testament, the process of sanctification or holiness can be understood in these ways, first it is God’s will for the believer ( I Thessalonians 4:3 ). Secondly, it is learned by God and taught by His Word ( John 17:17-19, Psalm 17:4, 119:9 ). Next, the Holy Spirit is the agent in sanctification ( Romans 15:16, II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2, I Corinthians 6:11 ). And lastly, holiness must be pursued by the believer ( Hebrews 12:14 ). We are to be built up by obedience to the Word following the example of Christ Jesus according to the Holy Spirit who enables this change to happen.

Relationship with Christ and attention to His Word will birth holiness into the natural realm. He has already provided this by faith in Him as you were given everything needed to live as Christ in this world ( I John 4:17, Galatians 5:22-25 ). This is why, as believers, we must pursue holiness; letting His truth and life-giving Spirit change us from the inside out. Letting what is on the inside of us match what the world sees, a life set apart, sanctified and holy. Without it, others will not see the Lord working in us.

This is an amazing truth! God has sanctified us and set us apart. He has given us everything we need to live a holy life. We respond by pursuing holiness in every aspect of our walk with Him. By His Word and by His Spirit we are changed and everyone around will experience the result of our sanctification!