Sin cycle

So there is no excuse for anyone to say, “Oh well, I just don’t think I can live up to a standard like that.” Of course you can’t; the whole Old Testament teaches us that. But that is not the point. The point is: does God want to do this in us? Surely the answer is yes. And is he able to do it? Again the answer is yes. But now comes the frightening caveat. Yes, he is able to do what he wants if we will believe him to do it. Tragically, there are many people today who simply will not believe God to make them holy.— Called to be Holy, page 159

<idle musing>
Indeed. When we have bumper stickers that proudly proclaim, "Christians aren't Perfect, Just Forgiven," why should be expect holy living? If that isn't the epitome of heretical theology, then I don't know what is. When we have a major catechism that proudly proclaims that the grace of God isn't sufficient to deliver us from sin, how can we expect holy living?

And without holy living, scripture says we won't see God. Pretty scary...but it's just a matter of believing it is possible—by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, guiding, directing, empowering—indeed, living it—on a moment-by-moment basis. Believe and receive!
</idle musing>