Here is another post I wrote over 10 years ago, concerning Hebrews 12:14-15 (with some editing added). Usually, the focus is on vs. 14 (following peace and holiness...), but in this post, I especially noticed vs. 15 (failing to enter holiness of heart will lead to failing of the grace of God). I hope this is helpful. It might be a good discussion starter for a family, outreach, or ministry class.
QUOTE (from Jan. 22, 2016)
DOES YOUR PASTOR, TEACHER, OR MENTOR TELL YOU THIS?
Did you notice this Hebrews passage in my previous post?
Hebrews 12:14-15
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
The Sanctification
The Greek actually says that we are to follow after "the sanctification." There is a specific sanctification, purification, cleansing, and setting apart, which Christians are EXPECTED to pursue and obtain. This particular sanctification is mandatory, essential, and obligatory to a right relationship with God.
Essential
Think about it. Has your pastor ever told you that there is a specific holiness, a specific cleansing available to believers, which is attainable and obtainable, by the grace of God, which you should follow after in this life if you want to spend eternity with God? If no one has told you about this, then you better find someone who believes it, lives it and communicates it to you, because, without it you will not see God, that is, you will be denied access to His presence. Remember, only the PURE IN HEART will see God.
Fail Of Grace
Also notice, that it is possible for believers to fail of the grace (fail to obtain the grace) of God, they will fall short of the grace of God. It is not that the grace of God fails Christians, but those who do not search for, find and obtain God's peculiar purity of heart and life, will fail the grace of God, will come short of the presence of God.
Root Of Bitterness Defiles
Failing the grace of God allows the root of bitterness to spring up in our heart and life, and that corruption crowds us, disturbs us, annoys us, to the point that we become a stumbling block to others, causing them to be defiled.
It is not enough that God can and will sanctify us completely: we must keep ourselves in that grace by following Him fully. If we go backwards, from our relationship with God, we will be defiled, and we will contribute to other people being defiled also.
