"Be Holy Because I Am Holy."

A Call to Holiness We have to pursue holiness as a way of life, because the One who has called us into this new life since we were born again with its glorious hope was Himself holy: “Be holy because I am holy.”

Holiness means to be set apart. Two things to bear in mind: Negatively, the call of holiness is - to be separate from sin. Positively, the call of holiness is - to be consecrated to God. These two concepts are important to remember. Everything Paul told Timothy to be sanctified” 1 Tim. 4:4-5 “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer”

If we combine the negative and positive aspects it makes holiness very comprehensive. It covers every aspect of our life that involves--our body and soul and spirit. Everything and our whole being. We can live a holy life privately and publicly—this means in our homes, in our career, occupation, in our leisure, pleasure and in our Sunday worship with God’s people. The call to holiness is 7 days a week, 24/7 and 365 days a year.

The primary meaning, therefore, is someone who is wholly set apart unto God. Is that beautiful? Is that not what we want to be, set apart unto God? We are His perfect possession. It is a gift of God’s grace, because it is given from the Father through the righteousness of Christ. It is important because what belongs to God must be like God. We must be like the Father who is holy, we must be like the Son who is holy, and we must be like the Spirit who is holy. This is a good reason to be sanctified and it is important to be sanctified.

It is clear that the call to holiness is absolutely vital. God never calls you and me to give God just a piece of our hearts. He wants all of our hearts. “My son, give me your heart.” (Pro.23:26) The Father longs for our whole being. Not ¼ of my heart! Hi, He saved you by his grace. Why not give Him your whole heart?