The Progress of Holiness over Time: The longer we are with Jesus, the more holy we should become. This is because we are walking with Him. He is empowering us to not want to sin. He is enabling us to not sin; to live victoriously.
Knowledge of Holiness: The Law is powerless to save sinners. The Law leads us to repentance by showing us our sin. It condemns us of our sin. When we accept Christ, we lay aside our sinful habits. The Law simply shows us where we need to ask God to forgive us. It does not save us. Knowledge of the Law actually makes us rebels, because we focus on the things God said not to do. (Romans 7:1-6, 9-12)
Practice of Holiness: Knowledge is not the answer. Once we learn the truth we are “doomed”. Becoming a Christian does not stamp out all sin in our life. Being “born again” is an acknowledgement of sin; becoming “Christlike” takes a lifetime of growing. This happens because God sends us the Holy Spirit to live in us and give us power to overcome sin. Sin is stronger than we are on our own. We have to look to Jesus, who conquered sin, to help us live a life of holiness. (Romans 7:15, 17-20)
