In my sermon, I mentioned that holiness is ultimately about God. Holiness isn’t about what we do or don’t do. It is about reflecting God’s good, gracious, and holy character. I could have (and maybe should have) also mentioned that holiness is not about something outside of us, but rather about what is happening inside of us. It is certainly true that holiness can be seen in part by our words and deeds, things which have an external manifestation, but ultimately holy words and deeds come from holy motivations wrought by the Holy Spirit. And what does the Spirit do that encourages us in holy words and deeds? He points us to our Savior, the one who died for our unholy thoughts, words, and deeds. He shows us that Jesus has paid it all, and that all to him we owe. Holiness grows out of Spirit inspired gratitude. As the Spirit plants the truth of the gospel deeper into our hearts, what grows out of our hearts and therefore lives is (by God’s grace) holiness.