SpiriseBible
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." - 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
Holiness—the very word can evoke feelings of inadequacy or images of joyless religion. Yet God calls us to be holy as He is holy. This isn't about perfection through human effort but about being set apart for God's purposes, transformed by His grace, and reflecting His character in a dark world.
Understanding True Holiness
Holiness means "set apart" or "consecrated." It's not primarily about what we don't do but about whose we are and how that relationship transforms us. Consider what holiness involves:
Positional holiness: "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints" (1 Corinthians 1:2). The moment we trust Christ, we're set apart as holy in God's eyes.
Progressive holiness: "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Daily we're being transformed to match our position in Christ.
Practical holiness: "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11). Our conduct should reflect our calling.
Why God Calls Us to Holiness
God's call to holiness isn't arbitrary legalism but flows from love:
- For intimacy: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Sin creates barriers; holiness enables closeness.
- For protection: God's commands are guardrails, not prison bars. Holiness protects us from sin's destruction.
- For witness: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights" (Philippians 2:15).
- For joy: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). Holiness leads to true happiness.
The Power for Holy Living
Left to ourselves, holiness is impossible. But God provides everything needed:
The Holy Spirit: "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit empowers what God commands.
God's Word: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Psalm 119:9). Scripture reveals God's standards and transforms our minds.
Grace: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14). Grace doesn't lower the standard but provides power to reach it.
New nature: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). We have new desires and capabilities.
Practical Steps to Holy Living
1. Renew your mind daily. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Saturate yourself in Scripture using tools like SpiriseBible.
2. Make no provision for the flesh. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14). Remove temptations where possible.
3. Practice spiritual disciplines. Prayer, fasting, worship, and service strengthen spiritual muscles for holy living.
4. Pursue accountability. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). We need others to help us stay on track.
5. Focus on Jesus. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). The more we see Him, the more we become like Him.
Common Misconceptions About Holiness
- Holiness is joyless: True holiness produces deep joy, not religious misery
- Holiness is unattainable: God commands what He empowers by grace
- Holiness is just external: It begins in the heart and works outward
- Holiness isolates us: It separates us TO God and FOR others
- Holiness is optional: "Follow...holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord"
When We Fail
The pursuit of holiness includes failures. When we sin:
- Confess immediately (1 John 1:9)
- Receive forgiveness fully
- Get back up and continue pursuing
- Learn from the failure
- Trust God's continuing work in you
Remember: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
The Beauty of Holiness
Far from being restrictive, holiness is beautiful:
- It reflects God's character
- It brings freedom from sin's bondage
- It produces the fruit of the Spirit
- It prepares us for eternity
- It draws others to Christ
Reflection Questions
- What areas of your life is God calling you to greater holiness?
- What practical steps can you take to pursue holiness this week?
- How can you rely more on God's power rather than your own effort?
Prayer
Holy Father, thank You for calling me to be holy as You are holy. I confess I cannot achieve this in my own strength. Fill me with Your Spirit and empower me to live set apart for You. Show me areas where I've compromised, and give me grace to change. Help me to see holiness not as a burden but as beautiful. Transform me from the inside out. May my life reflect Your character and draw others to You. Thank You that You who began this good work will complete it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Identify one area where God is calling you to greater holiness. Take one concrete step today—whether removing a source of temptation, establishing a new spiritual discipline, or seeking accountability. Use your SpiriseBible app to find and memorize a verse about holiness to strengthen your resolve.
