____ that it is possible to live a life of holiness hinders people from attaining the character of holiness.

• A. Believing
• B. Assuming
• C. Doubting
• D. Knowing

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that doubt about holy living can block progress in becoming holy. When a person doubts that it’s possible to live a life of holiness, that uncertainty drains motivation, leads to hesitation, and fosters excuses or apathy. Holiness in practice comes from trusting that God can enable righteous living and then pursuing it with discipline—prayer, repentance, accountability, and everyday obedience. Doubt undermines that drive, making someone less likely to persist through setbacks and to seek growth.

Believing that holiness is possible keeps the effort consistent and focused, while knowing it’s possible provides confidence to press on despite failures. Assuming it is possible is less directly harnessing faith and may still leave room for hesitation, but it’s the doubt that most clearly hinders progress toward the character of holiness.