Be holy, for I am holy

1 Peter chapter 1 spells out the gospel clearly. It speaks of the prophecy of salvation, suffering and perseverance, good work and judgment, grace, faith, and lastly -- holiness.

Particularly, verse 16 is often quoted to encourage believers to "lead a holy life." It quotes, "Be holy, for I am holy." from Leviticus 11:44.

What is holiness? The Biblical definition is "Set apart to God." But what does this mean? That holiness is only counted when it is a walk in (and not like) God's spirit, which is all grace. We are not set apart when we obey out of the flesh, which is only law.

Even in verse 2 it says, "God the Father knew you and chose you from long ago, and His spirit has (already) made you holy,..." Therefore, holiness is not of any work of ours but only of the work of the spirit -- grace.

Verse 16 does not mean "you have to be holy like me." For holiness is the essence of God, it is who He is and how He is.

There is only one definition and standard for holiness -- God. Can we really be holy like God is holy, even with the best of intentions and greatest of effort? 

The answer is a definitive "No!" And that is the way God intended, for He is not interested in our becoming holy through our effort, but only by the grace of His son's sacrifice redeeming our holiness in Him.

He made us this way, and planned our salvation accordingly.

We are holy not because we make ourselves holy (not even with the "help" of grace!) We are already made holy only because of grace and entirely the great work of Christ.

Therefore it is from holiness we live out our remaining days, and not in using the rest of our lives to become holy.

By the blood of Christ, we are holy, for He is holy.

Amen