But that does not negate the slew of commandments throughout the scriptures that I am to strive to be like Christ and strive to become holy. Not for my salvation, of course, but so that I don't feel out of place in His Kingdom. And so that I don't waste my days in mortality. And so I show my love and gratitude to Christ for His mercy and forgiveness. It is silly to say that, just because Christ's blood atoned for our sins, we are not supposed to draw nearer to Him, and that we are under no further obligation to Him. We are to be His disciples. Disciples follow their Master, and strive to emulate.
Dallas Willard said it well:
This 'heresy' has created the impression that it is quite reasonable to be a "vampire Christian." One in effect says to Jesus: "I'd like a little of your blood, please. But I don't care to be your student or have your character. In fact, won't you just excuse me while I get on with my life, and I'll see you in heaven." But can we really imagine that this is an approach that Jesus finds acceptable?
And when you stop to think of it, how could one actually trust him for forgiveness of sins while not trusting him for much more than that. You can't trust him without believing that he was right about everything, and that he alone has the key to every aspect of our lives here on earth. But if you believe that, you will naturally want to stay just as close to him as you can, in every aspect of your life. --Dallas Willard
My experience is that the Power of Christ has transformed me in many ways. I'm not nearly the sinner I once was. But my sin nature is intact and vibrant. The old man never disappears. I've been around Christians trying to be holy and I don't like it. I'd rather be alone.
I advise Christians to have faith in the Power of Jesus Christ and that it is in you. He WILL change you and give you strength. You don't have to do it by your own strength.
I believe it is a man's revelation of his sin nature that makes him willing to come to Christ. If you then turn round and tell him he has to be good ... you set him up to fail. He knows he isn't good. He knows it all too well. If he is told he has to be holy he would laugh in your face if of the confrontive sort ... or just arrange to stay out of your way from then on. Or ... actually try it and fail.
This is a difficult subject. I'm so leery of anything that smacks of a 'works doctrine' I cannot abide telling fallen human beings that they are to be holy.
Peter was always spouting some silliness.