We must trust in Christ for holiness because it is through Him that we receive righteousness and the ability to live holy lives.
The necessity of trusting in Christ for holiness comes from our inherent inability to attain righteousness on our own. As 1 Corinthians 1:30 states, 'But of Him, are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.' This indicates that our righteousness and sanctification are only possible through Christ's work. Furthermore, Philippians 2:13 reassures that 'it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure,' highlighting that the Spirit enables us to live according to God's commandments. Thus, our trust in Christ is foundational, as it recognizes that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5), and only through Christ can we truly fulfill God’s call to holiness.
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 2:13, John 15:5
Commentary