Can We Really Be Holy Like God?
Today, I want to talk about a crucial topic that we, as believers, should always keep in our hearts: holiness. In the Bible, we often encounter the command, "Be holy, because I am holy." It makes us wonder how we could possibly be holy like the almighty and perfect God. Can we really become holy like Him? And why should we?
What is the Meaning of God's Holiness?
First, God's holiness is His essential nature. God has no connection with sin and tolerates no evil. He is completely set apart from everything in the world, perfectly pure and whole. The Hebrew word for "holy" is kodesh, which means "to be set apart" or "to be separated."
Two Reasons Why We Should Be Holy
So, why should believers strive for holiness? There are two important reasons.
It is God's clear command. The Bible commands us to be holy in many places. Leviticus 19:2 says, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16 also emphasizes, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This is not an option; it is God's explicit will for His people.
As God's children, we should resemble Him. We become children of God by believing in Jesus. Just as children resemble their parents, we too should grow to be like God in character. Since holiness is God's very nature, it is natural for us, as His children, to pursue holiness in our lives. This means imitating God not just in our external actions but in our thoughts, hearts, and every area of our lives.
What Does a Believer's Holiness Mean?
While we cannot be as perfect as God, the holiness of a believer, as described in the Bible, means the following:
A life set apart from the world: It means living separate from the sinful culture and values of the world, as a person who belongs to God.
Progressive growth: The moment we believe in Jesus, we are declared righteous and made holy. But at the same time, our lives go through a process of 'becoming progressively more holy' as we fight against sin and become more like Jesus. This is called sanctification. Just as a child grows, our spiritual holiness must also continue to develop.
An intimate relationship with God: Holiness comes from walking closely with God. Our efforts to love His Word, hate sin, and live a righteous life are what build our holiness.
Becoming more like Jesus: Ultimately, the goal of our holiness is to become more like Jesus Christ. This means living a life of humility, love, gentleness, and patience, just as He did.
It's Difficult on Our Own, but...
Of course, we cannot become perfectly holy by our own strength. But we can live a holy life by relying on the help of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ. God's command for us to be holy also means that He has given us the ability to live that way.
So, how about we try to live a holy life that pleases God today? Our efforts—starting with small things like turning away from sin, obeying God's Word, and striving to be more like Jesus—will come together to bear the beautiful fruit of holiness.
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