#2 Holiness is God’s Commandment, Not His Suggestion

Why Is Holiness Required?

Why would God command us to be holy? 1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is written, Be ye holy: for I am holy.” Some may consider it an unfair demand or unattainable goal. In my first holiness post it was established that something holy is set apart in an honored position of dedication to God. Why does God see holiness as so important that he mandates it. The holiness some consider unfair or unattainable, God makes possible and demands. This post explains why holiness is God’s commandment, not his suggestion.

Escape Impending Judgement

Chapter 3 of 2 Peter warns that in the last days there will be many that mock the idea of a creator God who will bring judgement. Unbelievers will only see that things seem to continue as they have always been. But, in fact, Peter reinforces the fact that there will come a day when the Lord will return unexpectedly, (especially for these mockers,) and the Earth will be destroyed in God’s judgement of sin. 2 Peter 3:11 states, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation [lifestyle] and godliness.” He goes on to say we, “look for a new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:13-14. These verses indicate that one reason we are to live a holy, godly life is to avoid the inevitable judgement on the Earth and all that is unholy in it. Proverbs 9:10 states that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fearing the Lord means realizing that he is a holy God that keeps his promises, both of blessing and of judgement. Thus we should not take his commands lightly.

Remain Unspotted From The World

In the last half of 2 Corinthians chapter 6, Paul writes about how righteousness has nothing in common with unrighteousness, just as light is opposite of darkness and cannot occupy the same space. The world view, purpose, and resulting lifestyle of a believer (someone holy) should not resemble that of an unbeliever. They should not become unequally yoked together (in a binding partnership such as marriage.) Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” You may have heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together” or “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.” These common sense ideas are in the heads of parents who warn their children against friendships with kids they believe will be a bad influence on their actions or reputation.

God is our father. He knows that we must live in this world and be a witness to those in it though our testimony and example. But he also wants us to keep ourselves, “unspotted from the world.” James 1:27. How can we remain unspotted if we participate in the filth? How can we be an example if we are the same? Hebrews 12:14 explains it this way. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” So we are to live in peace with our fellow man. Yet if we do not live a holy, dedicated, separated life, no one will see the Lord in us, nor will we escape judgement and see him ourselves. This is why Paul continues to write in 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

A Reasonable Expectation

Finally, after the sacrifice God has made for us, we should consider living a holy life to be simply a reasonable expectation. Romans 12:1-2 states, “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” We must be nonconformist from the world and let God’s spirit transform everything about us from the inside out. As he laid down his life for us, we should reject our fleshly, unholy desires so we can have the abundant life he purchased for us with his blood. As Jesus told his disciples in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Why Be Holy

It is evident that God instructs us to be holy in order to escape his inevitable judgement on sin, and so that we will remain unblemished by the world’s grime. It is also an insignificant sacrifice we should expect to make when we compare it to his blessings and the sacrifice he made for us on Calvary. Can you think of any other reasons God commands us to be holy? Comment and let me know your thoughts.

So now the question is, how? How can we succeed in following this important command? It is certainly not always easy. In my next holiness post I will discuss how God has made it possible to take on his nature of holiness. I hope you have subscribed so we can delve more into this exciting prospect together.