QUESTION: My question is on Hebrews 12:14-17: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how afterwards, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” What is the writer saying to us concerning grace? How relevant is Esau’s example concerning our salvation? -Nicholas
RESPONSE:
Thank you, brother Nicholas, for raising these questions. We hope our response will offer clarity to you and other readers of this newspaper.
Understanding holiness, grace
The passage we are examining begins with these verses: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:14-15). Verse 16 also adds depth, though we will focus on verses 14 and 15 for now, later connecting Esau’s example to this discussion.
To address Nicholas’s question on grace, we must consider the ongoing debate between salvation by grace versus by law, and more recently, the discussion around grace and what some have termed “hyper-grace.” The first debate—whether obedience to the law contributes to one’s salvation—has been resolved through the full revelation of Scripture. From the patriarchs to the prophets, Jesus, and the apostle Paul, it is evident that we are saved by grace through faith alone, not by works, as affirmed in Ephesians 2:8-10.
The newer debate centres on whether grace permits us to live as we please, assuming our salvation is secure no matter how we behave—often referred to as “hyper-grace.” Or, conversely, must we maintain a lifestyle that aligns with Christian values, even after being saved by grace?
The writer of Hebrews urges all who are saved by grace to live in holiness. Throughout the Bible, holiness means more than moral righteousness; it signifies being set apart. Holiness calls believers to distinguish themselves from the world, not merely by moral behaviour but by a unique lifestyle that reflects their faith. Nonbelievers, too, can live morally; however, Christian holiness is about more than simply adhering to moral standards.
Holiness through distinction
One example of this distinction is in Hebrews 12:14, which says, “Pursue peace with all men.” Christians are not simply instructed to avoid conflict but to actively seek peace. Pursuing peace involves more than refraining from causing offence; it means making deliberate efforts to reconcile and maintain harmony with others. The failure to pursue peace, even after being saved by grace, could lead to “falling away from grace.” Hebrews warns, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God.” We must remain vigilant, for just as we chose to accept the gift of salvation, we can also choose to turn away from it.
Esau’s example
The author of Hebrews provides Esau’s story as a cautionary example. As the firstborn, Esau was the rightful heir of Isaac’s family, yet he traded this inheritance for a mere meal. His impulsive choice cost him his birthright, and by this, he lost his rightful inheritance. This example underscores the need for diligence in our walk of faith. We, too, have been granted a priceless inheritance through salvation by grace; however, neglect or disregard could result in losing what has been freely given.
While we are indeed saved by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), it is important to remember that morality is not exclusive to Christianity. Romans 2:14 and 3:31 remind us that even those without faith can act morally. Therefore, a Christian’s behaviour should not merely reflect general morality; rather, it should demonstrate the distinct character of one set apart for God.
Conclusion
Salvation is a gift from God, available to all who choose it, while holiness is the lifestyle that reflects our ongoing commitment to this divine gift. Christian holiness surpasses the righteousness of the Pharisees; it is not simply a higher moral standard but one that is distinctly set apart from the world (Matthew 5:20-48). If we grasp the contrast that God emphasises in these passages, we understand the essence of what it means to live in holiness and grace.
Holiness, then, is not merely a matter of rules but a call to live as true followers of Christ, reflecting a heart and life devoted to God, pursuing peace and maintaining the grace in which we stand.
