WONDERS OF GOD’S HOLINESS (2)

“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” – 1 Peter 1:15-16).

The Believer’s attitudes, desires, words, and conduct are meant to display the WONDERS of GOD’S HOLINESS: “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, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1Pet.1: 14-16). It is a Wonder of God’s Holiness that He calls us to be holy with Him and like Him. A wise person once said, “You live in the Presence of God; act accordingly.” Those words constitute the essence of God’s Will: that we should be holy in everything we think, say, or do. However, unlike a life driven by unending Do’s and Don’ts, a holy life is a Calling, a GIFT, and a GOAL.

The Bible provides elaborate insight into God’s holiness. Scriptures praise God’s infinite holiness and celebrate His steadfast love, making it clear that we owe our Holy God all praise and honour. His Holiness sets Him apart from us, but also exposes sin. In order to connect us to Him eternally, the Father has given us Jesus, His Son, to set us free from sin and guilt. We are called to holiness (1The.4:7). However, God’s gift to us is a holiness we receive through faith in the Saviour. Set apart for His service, we’re empowered to be holy: “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Tit.2:14). Our goal then becomes to be holy as our Father is!

God’s Gift becomes our passion and purpose. The psalmist asks, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psa.119:9-11). God’s great Love invites and empowers us to enjoy the privilege of living in His holy Presence. We respond in love by joyfully embracing a life of holiness before Him.

Another Wonder of God’s Holiness is that we’re made holy by Grace: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the GRACE that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your AIMLESS CONDUCT received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (vv.13,18-19). For the child of God, it is a great privilege to embrace the lifestyle of holiness. This is because the Grace that has redeemed us from death is the same Grace that equips us for life. Grace renews our ability to live in the fullness of eternal life.

Grace has redeemed us from “aimless conduct” or “the empty way of life,” such as: trusting in money or material possessions for security; trusting in self-effort to earn God’s favour; or trusting in the goodness of people to build a better future. The reality is that money is temporary, self-effort and religious traditions are never good enough, and people are ever imperfect, unable to break themselves free of sin. “Why place our trust in what always comes up empty?”

Grace “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Tit.2:12, NIV). Grace teaches us to say “Yes” to living in holy, reverent fear of God. Yet God’s commands are not burdens to be endured; rather, like guardrails on a treacherous road, they are given to protect us from danger and thus to equip us to enjoy true life (2Pet.1:3-11). God equips us, in Christ, to be holy in life. Our holiness reflects His Holiness. That’s what makes God’s Holiness an amazing wonder – as it is displayed in our attitudes, desires, words, and conduct!