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Genesis 13:7-9
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land…

Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Psalm 38:20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I followthe thing that goodis.

and holiness.

Hebrews 12:10
For they verily for a few days chastenedus after their own pleasure; but he forour profit, thatwe might be partakers of his holiness.

Psalm 94:15
But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

Isaiah 51:1
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rockwhence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pitwhence ye are digged.

no man.

Genesis 32:30
And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Job 19:26
Andthough after my skinworms destroy thisbody, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 33:26
He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

as well as holiness
Holiness is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's nature and His call for His people to be set apart. In the Old Testament, holiness was often associated with ritual purity and adherence to the Law. However, in the New Testament, holiness takes on a more personal and spiritual dimension, emphasizing moral purity and dedication to God. This call to holiness echoesLeviticus 11:44, "Be holy, because I am holy," and is reiterated in1 Peter 1:15-16. Holiness involves a transformation of character, aligning one's life with God's will and purposes.

without which no one will see the Lord
This phrase underscores the necessity of holiness for entering into God's presence. The idea of "seeing the Lord" can be understood both in the present sense of experiencing God's presence and guidance and in the future sense of eternal life with Him. InMatthew 5:8, Jesus states, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God," highlighting the connection between purity and divine fellowship. The warning here is clear: without holiness, one cannot have a relationship with God, both now and in eternity. This reflects the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the need for spiritual transformation and sanctification as prerequisites for communion with God.

Hebrews 12:14 begins, “Pursue peace with everyone.” The verb “pursue” paints the picture of vigorous, active effort. Peace is not passive; it’s something we chase down. God calls His people to be:

• Intentional:Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” The qualification “if it is possible” reminds us that peace may not always be reciprocated, but our responsibility is unchanging—we initiate and maintain peace as far as it depends on us.

• Inclusive: “With everyone” leaves no loopholes. Jesus directs us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), erasing excuses about difficult personalities or hostile settings.

• Reflective of Christ:Colossians 1:20 shows Christ making peace “through the blood of His cross.” When we work for peace, we mirror the reconciliation He accomplished.

Practical ways:

– Quickly forgive offenses (Ephesians 4:32).

– Guard our words (Proverbs 15:1).

– Seek reconciliation before worship (Matthew 5:23-24).

Peace is coupled with “holiness,” emphasizing that these pursuits are inseparable. Holiness speaks of set-apart living, aligning every area of life with God’s character.

• Personal purity:1 Peter 1:15-16 calls believers to be holy in all conduct. That includes thoughts, speech, finances, entertainment—everything.

• Moral distinctiveness:Titus 2:11-12 explains grace trains us “to deny ungodliness and worldly passions.” Our difference from the world shouldn’t be oddity but God-centered purity.

• Ongoing growth:2 Corinthians 7:1 urges us to “cleanse ourselves from every defilement… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Holiness is both immediate (set apart at salvation) and progressive (worked out daily).

Notice the order: we don’t choose peace at the expense of holiness, nor holiness with a quarrelsome spirit. Both are pursued concurrently; neglecting one distorts Christian witness.

This final phrase elevates the stakes. The writer ties seeing the Lord—future, face-to-face fellowship—to the active pursuit of peace and holiness.

• Evidence of true faith: Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Pursuing holiness evidences a regenerate heart.

• Qualification for fellowship:Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Holiness isn’t optional but essential for communion with God, now and eternally.

• Warning against complacency: Hebrews consistently cautions against drifting. If someone comfortably ignores peace and holiness, it signals spiritual danger (Hebrews 3:12-13).

The verse is not promoting works-based salvation; rather, it states that those truly saved will demonstrate their faith by chasing peace and holiness, proving they belong to the Lord whom they will one day see.

Hebrews 12:14 calls believers to a dual, relentless pursuit: peace in all relationships and holiness in every aspect of life. Neither is optional; both flow from a heart transformed by Christ and prepare us for unhindered fellowship with Him. As we actively seek peace and live set apart for God, we reflect our Savior’s character and confirm our hope of seeing Him face to face.

And holiness.--Better,and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord. InHebrews 9:28 we have the promise that "Christ . . . shall be seen" by them that wait for Him: hence it might be supposed (especially as in the next verse we read of "the graceof God") that "the Lord" is here, as inHebrews 2:3, a designation of our Saviour. As, however, this Epistle especially brings Him before us as the Sanctifier (Hebrews 2:11;Hebrews 13:12), who leads us into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19), we must rather look on these words as akin toMatthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Revelation 22:4). . . .