The writer of the book of Hebrews expresses our duty and privileges to continue in the faith. After undeniable reasonings of the glory and deity of Jesus Christ, he arrives at chapter 11 where he provides examples of Old Testament saints and their challenges, and how they remained steadfast in their faith. Then he comes to chapter 12 where we are commanded by faith to do the same thing. We are to “Run with endurance” our race of faith, living out that which is set before us. How do we do it? We must always keep our eyes “fixed” on our Savior (Hebrews 12:2). As He is the Word, we keep our eyes on Him by being in His Word. We must do so actively because we live in a world that is constantly pressing us away from Him and toward self-centeredness. Many popular ministries, appearing to thrive under blessings, ascribe to a man-centered approach, twisting Scripture, or simply disregarding it. Our interest must always be to please God. To do this we must strive to know His Word and take whatever He states not only seriously, but because He is Lord, to rule our thinking and our life.

Paul tells us that apart from relation to Christ, “Destruction and misery are in our paths, and the path of peace we have not known” (Romans 3:16-17). However, the new man (2 Cor. 5:17) is ruled by God. This relationship with God and the change within is seen in our relationship not only to Him but to others. In chapter 12 of Hebrews verse 14, the writer presents what God commands of us in regard to others by our attitude and obedience. He says, “Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” It goes without saying that most of the troubles related to mankind pertain to getting along. The first murderer was Cain who killed his own brother (Gen. 4). Paul again from Romans 3 tells us that by our fallen nature, “Our feet are swift to shed blood” (Rom. 3:15). This is amplified in history and across the world-over from local spats to global war.

What is important for us to see from this special verse is the command of God in relation to one other and how it fits with God Himself. Here we see two primary commands balanced in tandem. They are peace with others and holiness before God. The peace is our commanded duty towards others, and holiness is our commanded duty in relation to God. The word peace means harmony or well-being with others. The word holiness means consecration or that which is set apart. It is often translated sanctification describing the growth process of Christians toward Christ likeness. God is holy, and He commands His children to be holy. In any circumstance of living and getting along with others, whether in the church family or in the world at large, the command for peace is active, for he uses the phrase, “All men.” This includes all disputes, disorders, or troubles that we have with others. We are not to wrong others but to conduct ourselves with them in a manner pleasing to God. First, we should be reminded that Romans 12:18 states, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” This takes into account, that peace is not possible with some, but puts the emphasis on us, “so far as it depends upon you.” It is not enough that we don’t physically harm or defraud others. We are to seek the peace shown in love on behalf of others in obedience to God. Paul states in Galatians 6:10, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

This command is to be proactive in the matter of peace. Our text (Hebrews 12:14) says we are to “pursue” peace with all others. The initiation of peace must begin with each of us. Pursue means to press or seek even if in an environment where we are wronged. This is not to be taken casually. It aligns the pursuing of peace with our pursuit of holiness. Both are to be pursued with diligence. Both are considered priorities in union with one another. As both are necessary, it also means we cannot violate holiness in order to have peace. Even though these are in alignment, the pursuit of holiness overrides peace. Holiness means being in alignment with God. This is an area where many people and churches fail. In order to keep peace, some go along with issues explicitly prohibited in the Word of God. We must never keep peace by giving up or throwing out matters of righteousness that are defined by God. That kind of peace can never be the kind addressed here. If our lack of peace with others is because our righteousness is an offense to them, it is not really we who they oppose, it is God. We cannot have true peace that is inconsistent with holiness. If our offense is because we are standing upon righteousness as presented in God’s Word, we must continue to stand and do so graciously not for our cause but for the cause of Christ.

How important is this issue? Take special note of the last thing stated in Hebrews 12:14, “Without which no one will see the Lord.” Most of the time when this passage is quoted it is in the context of the pursuit of holiness only. It shows how much God requires His children to be actively engaged in their sanctification. Also, keep in mind what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “We have as our ambition to be pleasing to Him.” That statement is for those born again; God changes our desires to be foremost pleasing to Him. This pursuit of holiness and of peace is an indicator of a right relationship with God by saving faith. We will not have complete peace or holiness until we arrive in glory. It is the pursuit that is at issue. But holiness is not the entirety of the equation. The Christian is here told if their life is not characterized by both the pursuit of holiness and the pursuit of peace with others, they will not see the Lord. Nothing could be a more serious warning. It shows the importance of both peace and holiness to God. Both pursuits are necessary. Those who are pursuing neither are mistaken to believe it does not matter. We may pursue peace but not attain it, but if we are pursuing it based on holiness, we are yet doing God’s will. On the other hand, if we compromise holiness for the sake of a temporary peace, we are warned of the consequences of not seeing God. Unholy peace is not what is being addressed. As with all of our new life in Christ, we are to be obedient to Him as our Lord. If we fail this command, the writer is expressing our incredible danger. This is a warning from God through the writer. There are many in our day who say, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jer. 8:11). How wonderful is the Bible to give us the instruction we need on every matter of living! What all of us should desire is peace with God and peace with others. We know that both peace and holiness will be wonderful realities in the kingdom to come. We look forward to such a day, but in the meantime, we prayerfully pursue both in the immediate!