Articles
CALLED TO HOLINESS
Christians are supposed to live differently from people of the world. Peter stressed this point
when he urged his audience to behave “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the
former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your
conduct” (1 Pet. 1:14-15, NKJV). The apostle bolstered this admonition by quoting from Lev.
11:44: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16).
The call to holiness referenced by Peter is found within a context discussing dietary
restrictions. According to that passage, the children of Israel were forbidden to eat foods deemed
unclean (Lev. 11:2). Because the dietary laws set forth in Leviticus are no longer in force today
(see 1 Tim. 4:4-5), much speculation exists regarding their original purpose. Was God protecting
the Israelites from potential health problems? Or was the prohibition primarily spiritually
oriented? Regardless, Thomas R. Schreiner reasonably observed, “The food laws made it
difficult for Jews to enjoy the table fellowship with Gentiles, and if peoples did not share at table
together, they are less likely to influence one another.”
Whether we like it or not, our associations affect our holiness. This was Paul’s point when
he warned the Corinthians, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Cor.
15:33). If we constantly surround ourselves with those who live in a wicked manner—either
publicly or privately—it should not surprise us that such associations influence us negatively. At
the very least, we must guard against developing a resigned acceptance of sinful behavior.
Although Christians are to be salt and light (Mt. 5:13-16), we should not prefer the people of the
world to the people of God (see Rom. 12:10). Instead, we must distance ourselves from
temptation and seek to “shine as lights” as we live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation” (Phil. 2:15).
Holiness demands union with some things and separation from others. We must unite with
our brothers in local congregations and faithfully worship and serve as God’s children (2 Cor.
6:16, 18); we must separate ourselves from the world and those who live for it (vs. 17). Perhaps
Paul best described the Christian’s pursuit of holiness when he wrote, “Therefore, having these
promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God” (7:1). We seek to answer the call to holiness because it affords us
the opportunity to have a relationship with God. Nevertheless, we will not do this unless we
develop the proper respect and love for Him. Holiness is rarely pursued for its own sake. If,
however, we understand holiness to be a requirement for those who “will see the Lord” (Heb.
12:14), we have a sufficient reason to seek to live holy lives.
~Chad Ramsey, Gospel Advocate, Aug. 2019
