In Leviticus 19:2, God commands His people: “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” This command is echoed throughout Scripture, including in 1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are urged to live holy lives. But what does holiness mean, and how does it apply to us today?
1. Holiness Means Being Set Apart
The Hebrew word for holy (qadosh) means set apart or distinct. God is completely separate from sin and impurity, and He calls His people to be different from the world around them. Israel was chosen to reflect God’s character, and as followers of Christ, we are called to do the same.
2. Holiness Reflects God’s Character
God’s holiness is not just about moral purity; it encompasses His entire nature—His love, justice, mercy, and righteousness. As His people, we are called to mirror His holiness in our daily lives. This means living with integrity, compassion, and obedience to His word.
3. Holiness in Daily Living
Leviticus 19 provides practical examples of holiness in action:
- Respecting others – Honoring parents, treating the elderly with dignity (vv. 3, 32).
- Worshiping rightly – Rejecting idolatry and keeping God first (v. 4).
- Caring for the vulnerable – Leaving food for the poor and foreigners (vv. 9-10).
- Living with integrity – Being honest, fair, and just (vv. 11-15).
- Loving others – The famous command “Love your neighbor as yourself” comes from this chapter (v. 18)!
Holiness isn’t just about rituals—it touches every aspect of life, from how we speak to how we treat those around us.
4. Holiness Under the New Covenant
In the New Testament, Peter reminds believers to be holy in all they do (1 Peter 1:15-16). Unlike in the Old Testament, where holiness was largely about external obedience, holiness for believers in Christ is about an inward transformation through the Holy Spirit. We pursue holiness not to earn salvation but as a response to God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).
5. Holiness Is Both a Gift and a Calling
- A Gift – Jesus’ sacrifice makes us holy before God (Hebrews 10:10).
- A Calling – We are still called to live in holiness (Hebrews 12:14), meaning we actively pursue purity, obedience, and love.
Final Thought
God’s holiness is both awe-inspiring and personal—He invites us into a life that reflects His nature. Holiness isn’t about following a list of rules; it’s about being transformed by His presence and living in a way that honors Him.
As you reflect on this call to holiness, ask yourself: How can I live a life that reflects God’s character more fully? Holiness is not about perfection—it’s about drawing closer to the One who is holy and allowing His Spirit to shape us.
What does holiness look like in your life? Share your thoughts below!
