The concept of being established as a holy people is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's desire to set apart a community dedicated to His purposes. This idea is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, beginning with the nation of Israel and extending to the Church.

Old Testament Foundations

The establishment of Israel as a holy people is first articulated in the covenant God made with Abraham, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). This promise is further developed in the Mosaic Covenant, where God explicitly calls Israel to be a holy nation. 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."

The holiness of Israel is not merely a status but a calling to live according to God's laws and commandments. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness is both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring the Israelites to reflect God's character in their conduct and worship.

Prophetic Vision

The prophets of the Old Testament often reminded Israel of their calling to be a holy people, especially in times of moral and spiritual decline. Isaiah 62:12 envisions a restored Israel, saying, "And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken." This prophetic vision underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant and His commitment to sanctifying His people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of a holy people is expanded to include all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. The Apostle Peter echoes the language of Exodus in 1 Peter 2:9 , stating, "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."

The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody holiness through faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:4 affirms this calling: "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence."

Practical Implications

Being established as a holy people involves both individual and communal aspects. Individually, believers are called to personal holiness, striving to live lives that honor God. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "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."

Communally, the Church is to function as a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes the Church as a holy temple: "So then, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate establishment of a holy people is eschatological, pointing to the future consummation of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:2-3 presents the New Jerusalem as the dwelling place of God with His people: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'"

This vision encapsulates the fulfillment of God's promise to establish a holy people, living in perfect communion with Him for eternity.