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.
• Exodus 19:6 called the Israelites to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, thereby setting an expectation of holiness that would attract God’s presence. By fulfilling this call, they would draw nearer to God, facilitating a deeper relational intimacy with Him.
• 1 Peter 2:9 reiterates this concept for the New Testament believer, identifying them as a chosen people and a royal priesthood, meant to declare God's praises precisely because He called them out of darkness into His marvelous light, highlighting the relationship between holiness and closeness to God.
This symbiotic relationship between holiness and the indwelling Holy Spirit brings believers into a closer communion with God, enabling them to live in a way that is pleasing to Him and more fully experience His presence.
3. REQUIREMENT TO ENTER HEAVEN AND SEE GOD (Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:8)
Holiness is not just a divine preference but a requirement for those who will enter heaven. The sanctification process on earth prepares believers to dwell in the presence of a holy God for eternity.
• Hebrews 12:14 explicitly states that without holiness, no one will see the Lord, making it a clear prerequisite for entering His heavenly presence. This passage highlights the importance of pursuing peace and holiness as essential elements of the Christian faith.
• Matthew 5:8 blesses the pure in heart, for they shall see God. This purity of heart is closely linked with the holiness of life, indicating that those who are purified from sin and sanctified in spirit will be the ones who enjoy the privilege of seeing God face to face.
These scriptures underscore that holiness is not optional but rather an essential quality for those who aspire to eternal life with God. The pursuit of holiness on earth is a preparation for the eternal fellowship with God in heaven, making it a non-negotiable aspect of Christian discipleship.
In conclusion, God’s desire for His people to pursue holiness is deeply intentional, rooted in His holy nature, and anchored in His divine purpose for humanity. Holiness reflects God’s glory, attracts His presence through the Holy Spirit, and is the requirement for entering into His heavenly kingdom. It is a call to align our lives with the divine, embracing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, and preparing ourselves for the eternal joy of beholding God face to face.
HOW DOES GOD BUILD HIS HOLINESS IN US?
God actively works to build holiness in us through a process of transformation and spiritual growth known as sanctification. This involves His divine intervention in our lives through various means, empowering us to become set apart for His purposes, more like Him in character, and free from the grip of sin.
1. THE CLEANSING POWER OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE (Hebrews 10:10; 1 John 1:7)
God begins the work of holiness in us by cleansing us from sin through the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus’ act of atonement makes us positionally holy before God but also starts the lifelong process of sanctification.
• Hebrews 10:10: "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
• 1 John 1:7: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
2. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
The Holy Spirit works within us to transform our hearts and minds, enabling us to live in alignment with God’s will. He empowers us to resist sin, convict us of wrongdoing, and produce Christ-like attributes.
• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
• 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
ILLUSTRATION: The transformation of Peter after receiving the Holy Spirit illustrates how God builds holiness. Peter moved from denying Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) to boldly preaching and leading the early church (Acts 2:14-41).
3. THE POWER OF HIS WORD (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Word of God is one of the primary tools God uses to sanctify us. Scripture teaches, corrects, rebukes, and trains us in righteousness, revealing the character of God and how He desires us to live.
• John 17:17: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
ILLUSTRATION: David recognized the sanctifying power of God’s Word when he declared, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)
APPLICATION: The "Call to Holiness" is a profound and essential aspect of the Christian life, inviting believers into a deep and transformative relationship with God. This divine summons is not merely about adhering to moral purity but about embodying the very nature of God — His love, righteousness, and truth — in every facet of our lives. Through the scriptures, we see that holiness is both a gift from God through salvation in Christ and a goal to strive for in obedience and faithfulness. It reflects God's image to the world, draws us closer to Him, prepares us for divine service, and is ultimately the state for which we are eternally destined.
Living out this call involves daily surrender, an ever-deepening communion with God through prayer and the Word, and a continuous yielding to the Holy Spirit's transformative work within us. It means walking in obedience, embracing spiritual disciplines, engaging in acts of love and service, enduring trials with faith, and always setting our sights on eternal values.
Holiness is not an instantaneous achievement, but a lifelong process of growth orchestrated by God’s love and grace. Philippians 1:6 encapsulates this truth: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." It is a journey of constant growth, where the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit empower believers to live lives that are set apart for the glory of God. As we respond to this call with commitment and zeal, we find our lives enriched with purpose, our relationships deepened by divine love, and our hope for eternity secured in the promise of God's unchanging faithfulness.
