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"Understanding the Call to Holiness and How It Relates to Our Relationship with God"
Did you know Holiness is a command?
It is found in various passages throughout the Bible. One of the prominent verses that contains this command is in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus:
Leviticus 11:44 (NIV): "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground."
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus where God is instructing the Israelites on various laws and regulations, including dietary laws and rules for cleanliness. The overarching message is that God's people are to be holy because God Himself is holy.
Another key passage that emphasizes the call to holiness is found in the New Testament:
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV): "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do (in all manner of conversation (KJV); for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Here, the apostle Peter reinforces the call to holiness, drawing from the Old Testament concept and applying it to believers in the context of their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In both the Old and New Testaments, the command to be holy is clear, and it is rooted in the character and nature of God Himself. Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives, both in their actions and in their character. This command underscores the importance of living a life of moral purity, righteousness, and devotion to God.
Leviticus 20:26 (NIV): "You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own." KJV says, " And ye shall be Holy unto me: For I the Lord am Holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine"
This verse underscores the divine mandate for believers to be set apart and consecrated to God. Holiness signifies being dedicated to God's service and living in accordance with His will. If you ever feel like you have no friends or family you can relate to on a deep level no matter how hard you try to fit in, maybe it is because God wants you all to His own! 💓
Attaining holiness begins with a sincere commitment to follow God's commandments and aligning one's life with His principles. It involves continual spiritual growth, seeking God's guidance through prayer, and striving for moral purity.
Matthew 5:48 (NIV): "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges his followers to pursue a higher standard of righteousness, reflecting the perfection of God. Attaining perfection or holiness, as Jesus encourages, is a lifelong endeavor. It involves striving to live a life characterized by love, forgiveness, and selflessness, relying on God's grace and power to transform our hearts and minds.
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV): "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord."
This verse underscores the essential role of holiness in our relationship with God. It's a prerequisite for experiencing His presence. Attaining holiness requires earnest effort in pursuing peace and reconciliation with others, along with a commitment to a life of moral purity and devotion to God. It's a journey that demands ongoing self-examination and reliance on God's sanctifying work.
Holiness is not something you can attain on your own. It originates from God.
Primarily, when you experience the new birth, God positions you as holy because He has declared you righteous through Christ:
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV): For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
This positional holiness is a gift from God. Subsequently, as you embrace your identity in Christ, you gain the ability to live a life of holiness. This transformation occurs by God's grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit who resides within you.
The concept of the "sinful nature" and the need for holiness and perfection through Christ's finished work on the cross are central themes in Christian theology. The Apostle Paul, in his writings, extensively discusses the struggle with sin and the transformative power of Christ's work. Here are several vital Scriptures that illuminate these ideas:
Romans 7:15 (NIV): "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
In Romans 7, Paul describes the inner conflict between his desire to do what is right and his struggle with sin. He acknowledges that his sin nature can lead to actions that go against his own will and conscience.
Romans 3:23 (NIV): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Paul emphasizes that all human beings, due to the presence of the sinful nature, have fallen short of God's standard of perfection and holiness.
Romans 6:6 (NIV): "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." KJV says, " Knowing this, That our old man is CRUCIFIED with HIM that the body of SIN might be DESTROYED, that we should not SERVE Sin. 7: For he that is DEAD (crucified) is freed from sin."
Paul teaches that through Christ's work on the cross, our old sinful nature is crucified, allowing us to break free from the bondage of sin and live in righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
In Christ, believers experience a transformation where the old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature, characterized by righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Paul emphasizes that salvation and holiness are not achieved through human effort but are gifts from God, made possible by Christ's finished work on the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV): "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross."
Through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, our sins are forgiven, and the legal condemnation that our sinful nature incurs is removed.
The sinful nature, as described by Paul, leads us to fall short of God's standards and engage in actions contrary to our desires for holiness. However, through faith in Christ and His completed work on the cross, believers can experience transformation, forgiveness, and the gift of holiness. Christ's work on the cross provides the means by which we can be made righteous and fulfill our high calling to live in holiness and perfection.
Holiness is bestowed upon us by God, all thanks to Jesus Christ. Afterward, our response should be to walk in holiness, leaning on God's assistance.
As believers, we receive both a positional declaration of holiness
from God and a divine call to lead lives marked by holiness.
This lifestyle mirrors our profound connection with God.
Holiness encompasses not only our actions but also our very identity.
Here are some practical examples of how to practice biblical holiness:
Daily Devotion to God: Start and end your day with prayer and Bible reading. Seek God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of your life.
Purity of Thought and Mind: Guard your thoughts and avoid engaging in impure or sinful thinking. Meditate on things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/phl/4/8/s_1107008
Loving Your Neighbor: Treat others with kindness, respect, and love. Practice forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships, just as God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/eph/4/32/s_1101032
Avoiding Sinful Behaviors: Refrain from participating in activities or behaviors that go against God's commandments. This may include avoiding dishonesty, immorality, gossip, and greed.
Being Generous and Compassionate: Share your resources with those in need and practice compassion. Show God's love through acts of kindness and generosity (Matthew 25:35-36). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/25/35-36/s_954035
Worship and Fellowship: Attend church services, engage in corporate worship, and fellowship with other believers. Encourage and build up one another in the faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/heb/10/24-25/s_1143024
Living a Life of Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's blessings and salvation. Express thankfulness in your prayers and interactions with others (1 Thessalonians 5:18). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1th/5/18/s_1116018
Resisting Temptation: When faced with temptation, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to resist sin. Seek accountability and support from fellow believers (1 Corinthians 10:13). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1co/10/13/s_1072013
Seeking God's Will: Continually seek God's will in your decisions and choices. Surrender your plans to Him and trust in His guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/pro/3/5-6/s_631005
Honesty and Integrity: Be truthful and maintain integrity in all your dealings. Let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no (James 5:12). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/jas/5/12/s_1151012
Practicing Self-Control: Exercise self-control over your actions, emotions, and desires. Avoid excess and indulgence in areas that can lead to sin (Galatians 5:22-23). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/gal/5/22-23/s_1096022
Forgiving Others: Forgive those who have wronged you, just as God has forgiven you. Release bitterness and resentment (Colossians 3:13). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/col/3/13/s_1110013
Serving Others: Look for opportunities to serve and minister to others. Serve with humility and a servant's heart, following the example of Jesus (Mark 10:45). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mar/10/45/s_967045
Being Salt and Light: Be a positive influence in the world by living out your faith and sharing the Gospel. Let your life reflect the light of Christ (Matthew 5:13-16). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/5/13-16/s_934013
Studying God's Word: Continually study and meditate on the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His expectations for your life (Psalm 119:105). https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/psa/119/105/s_597105
Practicing biblical holiness is an ongoing journey that requires a genuine relationship with God, reliance on His grace, and a commitment to living out His principles in everyday life. It involves aligning your thoughts, actions, and character with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. You got this!
Amanda Allen
Write & Blogger
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