Call To Holiness

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: How Christians respond to the pressures and temptations of modern society while remaining faithful to God's standards. Consider a young professional working in a competitive corporate environment where unethical practices such as dishonesty, manipulation, or cutting corners are sometimes rewarded as pathways to success. Despite the cultural norms, this individual feels convicted by God to uphold integrity, truthfulness, and fairness in all their dealings.

This type of calling mirrors Daniel's situation in the Bible (Daniel 1:8-20), where he refused to conform to the customs of the Babylonian culture and instead honored God in all he did, even in a foreign and challenging environment. Likewise, amidst the demands of a modern world filled with ethical compromises and distractions, this individual demonstrates that the "Call to Holiness" is not just a biblical concept but a reality that shapes and transforms lives today. By prioritizing God's standards above worldly expectations, they reflect His holiness in a way that inspires others and glorifies Him in the midst of contemporary challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout the tapestry of Scripture, the "Call to Holiness" emerges as a central and unifying command from God to His people. This divine call beckons believers to a life set apart, not just in moral purity but in embodying the very nature and character of God Himself. The journey towards holiness is illustrated through various biblical narratives, each providing a unique lens through which we can understand and engage with this sacred invitation.

First, we encounter the foundational call to Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 19:6, where God declares His intention for them to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This seminal moment at Sinai lays down a marker for the people of God, highlighting holiness as intrinsic to their identity and purpose in the world.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies the perfection of holiness (1 Peter 2:22), living a life without sin, thus setting the ultimate example of holiness in human form. Jesus' life and ministry not only fulfill the Law but also redefine holiness as accessible and attainable through Him.

Paul further advances the "Call to Holiness" in his letters to the early churches. In Romans 6:22 and 2 Corinthians 7:1, he exhorts believers to live out their newfound freedom in Christ by becoming servants to God, resulting in holiness. Paul's teachings emphasize the transformation and renewal of mind and spirit, urging a life that reflects the purity and righteousness of God.

Taken together, these examples from Exodus, the Gospels, Paul's epistles, and the Book of Daniel, not only highlight the multifaceted aspects of holiness but also invite believers to respond to God’s call to live lives that are distinctly marked by His holiness. This journey, inspired by biblical precedents, challenges, and encourages us to pursue a deep and transforming relationship with God, striving for holiness in all areas of life.

WHY DOES GOD DESIRE TO BUILD HIS HOLINESS IN US?

1. REFLECTS GOD’S NATURE AND GLORY (1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 20:26; 1 Samuel 2:2)

God is inherently holy, set apart from all that is sinful and unclean. His desire for His people is also to be holy reflects His nature and allows His glory to be displayed throughout their lives.

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 draws direct inspiration from the Levitical law, urging believers to be holy in all their conduct because God Himself is holy. This call to holiness is not just about moral purity but about embodying the very character of God in every aspect of life.

• Leviticus 20:26 emphasizes God’s desire to set His people apart from other nations, marking them as distinct and belonging to Him. This holiness was a prerequisite for the Israelites to be considered God’s own people, showcasing His glory to the surrounding nations.

• 1 Samuel 2:2 underscores the uniqueness of God’s holiness; there is none holy as the Lord. This unique holiness of God is something His people are called to aspire to, not to equate with God's inherent holiness but to honor and glorify Him through lives that are set apart.

These passages collectively reveal that God’s call to holiness for His people is an invitation to share in His divine nature, to live lives that mirror His purity and righteousness and in doing so, reflect His glory and greatness to the world.

2. ATTRACTS THE HOLY SPIRIT, THEREFORE, DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD (Psalm 5:12; Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9)

Holiness is essential in attracting the presence of the Holy Spirit, who cannot dwell in unclean vessels. The Holy Spirit draws believers closer to God, enabling a deeper fellowship with Him.

• Psalm 5:12 highlights God's blessing upon the righteous, those who have been made holy through His grace. This righteousness makes one a fitting habitation for the Holy Spirit, attracting His favor and presence.