| 2 Corinthians 7:1 1 Therefore having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.1 [Richard Claridge, an outstanding early Quaker, profoundly wrote: "The real happiness of man consists in being truly religious, or holy, in our measures, as God is holy; for holiness and happiness are so nearly related, that the one cannot be, or subsist, without the other. Holiness is happiness begun, and happiness is holiness in perfection." From the Word of the Lord within: "There came a view that happiness and holiness are separable."] | Hebrews 12:14 14 Pursue peace with all men, and holiness [consecration, sanctification], without which no man will see the Lord.7 [From the word of the Lord within: "You must be holy as I am holy. Pursue righteousness and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. "] | 1 Peter 1:15-17 15 But as he who has called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of conduct;5 [So you must be holy, perfect, pure, and righteous. You must perfect holiness.] 16 Because it is written, "Be holy; for I am holy." [From the word of the Lord within: "You must be holy as I am holy. Pursue righteousness and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."] 17 And if you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in reverent fear; [Notice! God judges all persons without partiality according to every man's work; all persons includes those in the churches to whom Peter was writing; for if you are not holy, (still sinning), when you die, you are defiled and will be banned from heaven. From the word of the Lord within: "Everyone is expecting Jesus to be their excuse. No man is promoted or excused that repeats sin. Only a heart that is purged of sin is acceptable to God."] | 1 Thessalonians 4:7 7 For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.2 | ||||||