Holiness. It’s a word we hear often in church, but how many of us truly grasp its weight?
For many, holiness feels like an impossible standard—an unscalable mountain that only the most pious can climb.
But Jerry Bridges, in The Pursuit of Holiness, shatters that misconception.
He makes one thing clear: Holiness is not an option for believers.
It’s a pursuit—a lifelong journey that requires both divine grace and our committed effort.
Let’s dive into some of the most powerful lessons from this life-changing book.
Buckle up, because this is going to challenge you.
1. Holiness Is for You—Yes, You
One of the most dangerous lies we can believe is that holiness is reserved for “super-Christians.”
Bridges argues that holiness is not just for pastors, missionaries, or the spiritually elite—it’s for every single believer.
Yahweh commands it:
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:15-16, NKJV)
This isn’t a suggestion.
It’s a divine expectation.
We are called to holiness not because it’s easy, but because it reflects Yahweh’s very nature.
The pursuit of holiness is not about perfection, but about progress—about daily obedience, surrender, and transformation.
2. The Battle Against Sin Is Ongoing
Let’s be real—sin doesn’t disappear the moment we accept Yahshua into our lives.
The struggle against sin is relentless, and unless we actively fight, we’ll be swept away by temptation.
Bridges paints a striking picture: Holiness is not about passively waiting for God to make us righteous—it’s about partnership.
We have a role to play. He compares it to farming:
- The farmer prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waters the crops, but only God can make the seed grow.
- Likewise, we must take steps toward holiness, but only through Yahweh’s power can true transformation happen.
Paul reinforces this partnership:
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13, NKJV)
We work because God is working in us. It’s a joint effort.
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3. Obedience Over Victory
Many Christians pray for “victory over sin,” but Bridges flips the script: The key isn’t victory—it’s obedience.
Think about it.
When we focus on “victory,” we’re looking for a one-time fix, a moment when sin just stops being a problem.
But obedience is different.
It’s a daily choice to walk in righteousness, to say “no” to temptation, and to rely on the Holy Spirit.
Yahshua said it plainly:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NKJV)
Holiness isn’t about feelings; it’s about choices. Victory comes through a lifestyle of obedience—one decision at a time.
4. The Holy Spirit Is Your Power Source
Trying to live a holy life in your own strength is like trying to light a fire with wet wood. It won’t work.
Bridges reminds us that our power for holiness comes from the Holy Spirit. Many believers either ignore the Spirit’s role or expect It to do all the work.
But Scripture makes it clear:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NKJV)
To “walk in the Spirit” means to actively depend on the Holy Spirit, which is God’s spirit, to yield to His guidance, to let it shape our thoughts, desires, and actions. Without the spirit, holiness is impossible.
5. Small Sins Are Big Problems
Let’s be honest—some sins seem worse than others.
We recoil at murder, adultery, or theft. But a little gossip? A small lie? A hint of pride? No big deal, right?
Wrong.
Bridges warns that “respectable sins” are the silent killers of holiness.
When we tolerate small compromises, we desensitize ourselves to sin. Before we know it, our spiritual walls crumble.
Solomon put it this way:
“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV)
A single fox can ruin a vineyard. A single unchecked sin can derail our pursuit of holiness. Every thought, every word, every action matters.
6. Holiness Is a Habit
Just as sin becomes a habit, so does holiness.
Bridges emphasizes discipline—the consistent, intentional practice of godliness.
It’s not about legalism; it’s about training ourselves to choose righteousness daily.
Paul compares it to an athlete’s training:
“Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things… I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27, NKJV)
If athletes sacrifice for a temporary prize, shouldn’t we train even harder for an eternal one?
Holiness won’t happen by accident. It’s built one choice at a time.
7. The Joy of Holiness
Here’s the biggest surprise: Holiness is not about misery. It’s about joy.
The more we pursue Yahweh’s righteousness, the more we experience His peace, power, and presence.
David knew this firsthand:
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV)
The world promises happiness through sin, but it’s a lie.
True joy is found in walking closely with Yahweh, in being free from the bondage of sin, and in experiencing His holiness firsthand.
Final Challenge: Will You Pursue Holiness?
Holiness isn’t a suggestion—it’s a calling. It’s not just for pastors or “spiritual people”—it’s for you.
It’s not about perfection, but about daily progress.
It’s not about legalism, but about love—choosing Yahweh’s ways because we trust that His ways are best.
So here’s the question: Will you pursue holiness?
It won’t be easy. It won’t be popular. But it will be worth it. Because at the end of the day, holiness isn’t about rules—it’s about relationship.
It’s about becoming more like Yahshua, walking in His presence, and living a life that glorifies Him.
The pursuit of holiness starts now. Will you take the first step?
