Called to Holiness: From the Law to Christian Sanctification

The call to holiness is a central theme throughout Scripture, beginning with the Old Testament Law and extending into the New Testament teachings. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands His people: “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” This command was given to set Israel apart as a people dedicated to God, reflecting His holy nature in their conduct and worship. The New Testament echoes this call in the life of believers. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter writes: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” The connection between the Law’s command to be holy and the Christian process of sanctification is profound and significant. Let’s explore how this call to holiness is fulfilled through sanctification in the life of a believer.

Holiness in the Old Testament: Set Apart for God’s Purposes

The command to be holy in Leviticus 19:2 was a call for the Israelites to live differently from the surrounding nations. The Hebrew word for “holy,” qadosh, means “set apart” or “consecrated.” God’s people were to be distinct because of their unique relationship with Him. They were called to reflect His character, purity, and righteousness in every aspect of their lives. The holiness of Israel was not merely about ritual cleanliness but about a deeper moral and spiritual purity that aligned with God’s own nature.

God’s command to be holy was rooted in His own holiness. In Leviticus 11:44, it is written: “For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.” The standard for holiness was God Himself. As the Creator and Sustainer of all things, God’s holiness is absolute, perfect, and unchanging. The call for Israel to be holy was an invitation to imitate God’s character, setting them apart as a people who belonged to Him.

The laws given to Israel, including dietary restrictions, ritual purifications, and moral commandments, were all designed to teach the people about God’s holiness and their need to be separate from sin. These laws were not arbitrary but were intended to help the Israelites understand the importance of living a life dedicated to God. By obeying these commands, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God and their willingness to be set apart for His purposes.

The Fulfillment of Holiness in Christ: A New Covenant Reality

The Old Testament call to holiness finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Under the New Covenant, believers are called to be holy not by following the ritualistic laws of the Old Testament but through a transformative relationship with Jesus, who embodies perfect holiness. In Hebrews 10:10, it is written: “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice sanctifies believers, setting them apart as holy before God.

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. He lived a sinless life, fully embodying the holiness that the Law pointed toward. By His sacrificial death, He paid the penalty for sin, making it possible for believers to be declared holy and righteous before God. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Through faith in Christ, believers are credited with His righteousness, entering into a new identity as holy and blameless children of God.

The call to be holy, as echoed in 1 Peter 1:15-16, is grounded in this New Covenant reality: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” Peter reminds believers that the call to holiness is still relevant, but it is now empowered by the Holy Spirit rather than through adherence to external rituals. The holiness that God requires is no longer about ceremonial purity but about a heart transformed by the indwelling presence of Christ.

Sanctification: The Process of Becoming Holy

Sanctification is the ongoing process by which believers are made holy, becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, actions, and character. While justification is the one-time act of being declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus, sanctification is the gradual transformation that occurs throughout the Christian life. In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence in this process: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Sanctification involves both God’s work and the believer’s cooperation. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this process, convicting us of sin, guiding us into truth, and empowering us to live according to God’s will. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul writes: “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” The Spirit’s work in our lives helps us to grow in holiness, conforming us to the image of Christ.

Believers are called to actively participate in this process by pursuing holiness and resisting sin. In Hebrews 12:14, it is written: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” The pursuit of holiness requires intentional effort, such as daily prayer, studying Scripture, and making choices that honor God. This pursuit is not about earning God’s favor but about living in response to His grace and reflecting His holy nature in the world.

Living Out Holiness: The Call to Be Set Apart

The command to be holy is not only about personal morality but also about our witness to the world. As God’s people, we are called to live distinctively, shining as lights in a dark world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Holiness is not about isolating ourselves from the world but about living in a way that displays God’s character and draws others to Him.

Holiness affects every area of our lives, from our relationships to our work ethic. It is about living with integrity, showing kindness, and loving others sacrificially. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Paul writes: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” This call to holiness is a call to live a life that is set apart for God’s purposes, reflecting His purity and love in everything we do.

Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Be Holy

The command to “be holy” is a timeless call that connects the Old Testament Law with the New Testament message of sanctification. God’s desire for His people has always been for them to reflect His holiness, showing the world what it means to belong to Him. Through Christ, the path to holiness has been made clear, and through the Holy Spirit, the power to live a holy life is available to every believer.

As we embrace the call to be holy, may we rely on the grace of Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the truth of God’s Word to transform us. Let us live as a people set apart, pursuing holiness in all aspects of our lives, so that we may glorify God and fulfill His purpose for us in the world.