One of the books most often cited on the “top ten” lists of many, many Christians (myself included), is the classic work, HOLINESS by J C Ryle.
[Ryle is one of my favorite authors, particularly for his sweet and simple commentaries on the four Gospels; I’m so thankful that an old friend, Brent Nelson, pointed me to Ryle some 20+ years ago]
In chapter three you’ll find several points on the nature of practical holiness. Here is a short list of points (with some texts added) which I compiled for last Wednesday’s prayer meeting at CPCC:
Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God. – 1st Peter 1:14-15
A holy man will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment. — Psalm 119:127-128
A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 8:29; 1 John 2:6
A holy man will govern his emotions and his tongue. — Galatians 5:22-24
A holy man will pursue temperance and self-denial. — 1 Corinthians 9:27
A holy man will manifest charity and brotherly kindness.
– Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Peter 1:22
A holy man will show a spirit of mercy and active benevolence. – Acts 9:36; 2 Corinthians 12:15
A holy man will follow after purity of heart. — Proverbs 4:23
A holy man will follow after the fear of God. — 2 Corinthians 7:1
A holy man will follow after humility. – 1st Peter 5:5
A holy man will faithfully perform all his duties. — Colossians 3:23
A holy man will follow after spiritual-mindedness. — 1st Peter 1:13; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:2
As he writes, Ryle reminds us in Hebrews 12:14 that there is a “…holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” This should move us to pray, and to pursue greater holiness…
— pdb