Question: 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. Dr. Tony, I’m confused about my responsibility in this relationship. Can you help me understand?
Answer:
First, let me say this with all sincerity: your desire to seek God is beautiful. The very fact that you read your Bible, pray, and pursue righteousness tells me that the Holy Spirit is already working deeply in your heart. Those desires don’t come from human effort, they’re evidence that God is drawing you closer (John 6:44). And that alone brings joy to the Father.
But here are a few questions worth gently asking: What motivates your efforts? Are you trying to earn the Father’s approval? Are you striving to maintain your salvation through performance? If so, you’re not alone. Many believers carry this silent weight, believing they must work endlessly to “stay holy.” But Jesus never asked you to carry that burden. In fact, He came to remove it.
According to the Bible, holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes. Holiness begins with God—not us. Scripture says, “He chose us…to be holy” (Ephesians 1:4). And 1 John 1:7 declares that the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us. Your salvation and holiness aren’t secured by perfect behavior but by a perfect Savior whose work never stops. You were saved once and for all by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by a checklist of spiritual tasks.
Now, this doesn’t give us a license to sin. Instead, it frees us from condemnation so we can grow from the right place—a heart anchored in love, not fear. When you stumble, God’s desire isn’t that you panic or hide. It’s that you turn back quickly with confession and trust His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). That’s what a real relationship looks like: honest, humble, and rooted in grace.
The Kingdom truth is this: God is more invested in your transformation than you are. The Holy Spirit convicts us, yes—but He also comforts, strengthens, and reminds us of who we are in Christ. You don’t have to pry acceptance from God’s hand. You already have it. Jesus secured it.
So breathe. Rest. Rejoice. You are not being shaped into holiness by sheer determination but by divine love. And you can confidently trust this promise: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God started the work. God sustains the work. And God will finish the work—beautifully.
