The concept of consecration in the Bible refers to the act of setting apart something or someone for a sacred purpose. This act is deeply rooted in the understanding of holiness and dedication to God. Throughout Scripture, the call to consecration is a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for purity, devotion, and commitment to God's service.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, consecration is often associated with the priesthood and the tabernacle. The Hebrew word for consecration, "qadash," implies sanctification and setting apart for divine purposes. In Exodus 28:41, God commands Moses regarding Aaron and his sons: "After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them, so they may serve Me as priests" . This consecration involved rituals, including washing, anointing with oil, and sacrifices, symbolizing purification and dedication to God.

The Israelites themselves were called to be a consecrated people. In Exodus 19:5-6, God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" . This call to consecration was not limited to the priesthood but extended to the entire nation, emphasizing their role as God's chosen people.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the call to consecration is expanded and deepened through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to a life of holiness and dedication, reflecting the character of Christ. Romans 12:1-2 exhorts believers: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" . This passage highlights the personal and ongoing nature of consecration, urging believers to live lives that are set apart for God's purposes.

The Apostle Peter reiterates this call in 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" . Here, the call to consecration is linked to the believer's identity and mission, emphasizing the transformative power of being set apart for God.

Practical Implications

The call to consecration has practical implications for the believer's life. It involves a commitment to holiness, moral purity, and obedience to God's commands. This dedication is not merely external but involves the heart and mind, as seen in the call to renew one's mind in Romans 12:2. Consecration also involves a willingness to serve and proclaim God's virtues, as highlighted in 1 Peter 2:9.

Furthermore, consecration is a response to God's grace and mercy. It is not an attempt to earn favor with God but a grateful response to His love and salvation. This is evident in the call to offer oneself as a living sacrifice, recognizing that such a life is "holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1).

Conclusion

The call to consecration is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the believer's role as a set-apart individual for God's purposes. It is a call to holiness, service, and transformation, rooted in the believer's identity as part of God's chosen people. Through consecration, believers reflect the character of Christ and fulfill their mission to proclaim God's virtues to the world.