> In the book of Leviticus, God issues a profound command to His people: “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). This call to holiness is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative that shapes the very essence of what it means to be a follower of the one true God.
The Holiness of God
The holiness of God is a fundamental attribute that sets Him apart from all else. It speaks of His absolute moral perfection, His transcendent purity, and His utter separateness from sin and evil. As the prophet Isaiah declares, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
A.W. Tozer
Our Call to Holiness
When God calls us to be holy, He is inviting us to share in His holiness, to reflect His character, and to live in a manner that is set apart for His purposes. This call is not a burden but a profound privilege, for it means that we can partake in the very nature of our Creator.
“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind revealed in Scripture.”
R.C. Sproul
The Role of God and Our Role
In our pursuit of holiness, it is essential to understand the respective roles of God and our own responsibility. God, in His infinite grace and power, is the source and enabler of our holiness. Through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are made holy and empowered to live holy lives.
At the same time, we have a crucial role to play in responding to God’s call and actively pursuing holiness. This involves repentance, obedience to God’s Word, and a constant reliance on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wisely stated, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
Living a Holy Life
To live a holy life is to embrace a lifestyle of surrender, obedience, and separation from the world’s sinful ways. It involves cultivating spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. It also means actively resisting temptation, pursuing righteousness, and allowing the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in our daily lives. The following verses help us to understand God’s expectation for His people:
- “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Overall, this passage urges believers to strive for a lifestyle that honors God, embodying His ethical and moral purity as a testament to their faith and commitment to His teachings.
- “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) The call to live in peace with everyone suggests that harmonious relationships are crucial for a community of believers. It extends beyond mere avoidance of conflict, implying active efforts to foster understanding, compassion, and reconciliation.
The call to be holy is a profound and challenging invitation to live a life that reflects the very character of God. It is a journey of transformation, empowered by the grace of God and fueled by our own obedience and devotion. As we embrace this call, we not only honor our Creator but also experience the deep joy and fulfillment of living in alignment with His perfect will.
For Further Study
Here are several highly recommended books that delve into the subject of holiness:
- “The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges:
This classic book by Jerry Bridges focuses on the practical pursuit of personal holiness in the life of a Christian. The central theme is that holiness is not an optional pursuit for believers, but a requirement from God. Bridges provides biblical insights and practical steps for growing in holiness through disciplines like Bible study, prayer, and obedience. (Read this review) - “The Holiness of God” by R.C. Sproul:
In this profound work, R.C. Sproul explores the pivotal doctrine of God’s holiness and its implications for the Christian life. The main theme is understanding the transcendent holiness of God and how it should shape our worship, reverence, and pursuit of holiness. Sproul examines the biblical foundations of God’s holiness and its transformative power. (Read this transcript) - “The Crucified Life” by A.W. Tozer:
A.W. Tozer’s book centers on the theme of living a crucified life, fully surrendered to Christ. The main thrust is that true holiness cannot be attained without dying to self and embracing the way of the cross. Tozer challenges believers to experience the depths of the crucified life, which leads to true liberation, power, and holiness. (Read this review)
While each book approaches the subject from a slightly different angle, the overarching theme is the essential call for Christians to pursue holiness as a reflection of the holy character of God. They emphasize the biblical foundations, practical applications, and transformative power of living a life set apart for God’s purposes.
