____ hinders people from attaining the character of holiness.

• A. Mercy of Christ
• B. Love of God
• C. Work of Christ
• D. Gift of salvation

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how beliefs about divine action relate to growing in holy character. Holiness develops as the Spirit works in us and we cooperate with grace—through repentance, obedience, and spiritual disciplines. If someone views Christ’s work as a finished act that ends any need for ongoing personal effort, that mindset can actually hinder sanctification. In that view, holiness stalls because the person assumes no further transformation is needed beyond Christ’s completed work. The mercy of Christ, the love of God, and the gift of salvation are grace-based realities that encourage and enable holiness, whereas the belief about the work of Christ as something that stops ongoing growth can hinder it.