Hebrews 12:14

Heb. 12:14. Follow peace with all (men), and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Holiness is "the common beaten road in which all the godly travel" according to the sermon, "Hypocrites Deficient in Duty of Prayer."

4. Consider how living in such a neglect is inconsistent with leading a holy life. We are abundantly instructed in Scripture, that true Christians do lead a holy life; that without holiness no man shall see the Lord, Hebrews 12:14; and that every one that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as Christ is pure, 1 John 3:3. In Proverbs 16:17, it is said, "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil," i.e., it is, as it were, the common beaten road in which all the godly travel. To the like purpose is Isaiah 35:8, "A highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those," i.e., those redeemed persons spoken of in the foregoing verses. It is spoken of in Romans 8:1, as the character of all believers, that they walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

In May 1733 Edwards preached a sermon on this text: "None will ever be admitted to see Christ but only holy persons." The apostle has been describing persecutions and the duty of Christians to persevere, follow peace with all men, returning good for evil. But "he would not have them give up holiness for the sake of peace." It is holiness that makes for peace with God. Seeing Christ refers to seeing him in his exaltation as his human nature is united with his divine nature.

Those who see him are those who cannot stand filth which the wicked, as swine, enjoy. In fact, the natural man has no sense of moral sweetness, though he may relish it because of natural excellence. In the saint, Christ is precious not only because he delivers from hell. Holiness is a fixed and settled design of true Christians.

The reason for this is that faith in Christ is an active principle. Saints are drawn not driven.