How Can I Become Holy?

Ask Dr. Stanley: How Can I Become Holy?

Q: “I’ve tried to be holy by doing things I thought were good, like reading my Bible and praying. But then I heard you say that God does the work to make us holy.

I wanted to cry because my efforts never seem enough. I’m confused about my responsibility in this relationship.”

A: First of all, you’re to be commended for your efforts. The truth is, they reflect a sincere desire to seek God, and no doubt about it, that pleases Him already. I would, however, like to ask you a question that may be helpful: What else motivates these actions? Is it to measure up for the Father’s acceptance, or do you think that by working hard at those things you’ll remain saved?

If so, you wouldn’t be the first to live under that burden, but thankfully, it’s not one you or any of God’s children have to carry. Salvation doesn’t depend on being perfect one moment to the next, or on completing a checklist of good works. We are saved once and for all by faith in Jesus Christ and the awesome work that He accomplished. According to 1 John 1:7, the blood that He shed on the cross continually cleanses us from all sin.