We are made holy through the sacrifice Christ made in his body once and for all time. (Hebrews 10:10)
Only the holy will see God. Holiness is a prerequisite to heaven. Perfection is a requirement for eternity. We wish it weren’t so. We act like it isn’t so. We act like those who are “decent” will see God. We suggest that those who try hard will see God. We act as if we’re good if we never do anything too bad. And that goodness is enough to qualify us for heaven.
Sounds right to us, but it doesn’t sound right to God. And he sets the standard. And the standard high. “You must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48).
You see, in God’s plan, God is the standard for perfection. We don’t compare ourselves to others; they are just as fouled up as we are. The goal is to be like him; anything less is inadequate.
