Skip to content

If the possibility of holiness is so plain in the Bible…

“If the possibility of holiness is so plain in the Bible, why do we find it so hard to believe? Probably the biggest reason is because we equate obedience with perfection. If walking in a worthy manner means I never lose my temper, I never lust, I am never lazy, and I never do any good thing with…” quote by Kevin DeYoung
Download Open image
““If the possibility of holiness is so plain in the Bible, why do we find it so hard to believe? Probably the biggest reason is because we equate obedience with perfection. If walking in a worthy manner means I never lose my temper, I never lust, I am never lazy, and I never do any good thing with mixed motives, well then of course holiness is impossible. Likewise, if God-pleasing holiness means I have to be filled to the brim with every virtue, without any room for improvement, I’m wasting my time even attempting to be holy. Expecting perfection from ourselves or others is not what holiness is about.””

Kevin DeYoung

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Holiness is a progressive journey, not a flawless state; striving for perfection blocks spiritual growth.

In simple terms: Holiness is growth, not perfection.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and incremental improvement.

Themes

spirituality perfectionism growth

Mood

reflective encouraging

Type

theological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal devotions
  • church teaching
  • counseling sessions

Key Concepts

Sanctification human frailty grace

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does grace reshape our view of holiness?
  • What practices foster realistic spiritual goals?
A Different Perspective

Perfectionist expectations can cause burnout.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Kevin DeYoung

Explore all 295 Kevin DeYoung quotes

More Bible quotes

Browse all 8,465 Bible quotes