The concept of holiness is central to the Christian faith, rooted deeply in the character of God and His expectations for His people. Holiness, in its essence, refers to being set apart, consecrated, and dedicated to God. The call to holiness is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, as evidenced throughout Scripture.

Biblical Foundation

The call to holiness is first seen in the Old Testament, where God commands His people, Israel, to be holy as He is holy. Leviticus 19:2 states, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This command underscores the nature of God as holy and the expectation that His people reflect His character.

In the New Testament, this call is reiterated and expanded to include all believers in Christ. The Apostle Peter echoes the Levitical command in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Here, Peter emphasizes that holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a comprehensive way of life that reflects God's holiness.

Holiness Through Christ

The New Testament reveals that the call to holiness is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Believers are sanctified, or made holy, through their union with Christ. Hebrews 10:10 affirms, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This sanctification is both a positional reality and an ongoing process.

The Apostle Paul further explains this process in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 : "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God... For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." Here, Paul outlines practical aspects of living a holy life, emphasizing moral purity and self-control as integral to holiness.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's pursuit of holiness. The Spirit empowers and enables believers to live holy lives, transforming them into the likeness of Christ. Galatians 5:16 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, reflects the character of a holy life, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Practical Implications

The call to holiness has practical implications for every aspect of a believer's life. It involves a conscious decision to live according to God's standards, rejecting worldly values and behaviors. 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."

Holiness also involves a commitment to love and serve others, reflecting God's love in action. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Conclusion

The call to holiness is a divine invitation to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him. It is a call to reflect God's character in every area of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the redemptive work of Christ. As believers respond to this call, they bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the holiness of God.