THE HOLY ONE: CALLED TO HOLINESS
In last Sunday’s sermon, I explored the profound reality of God as the Holy One—a theme that echoes from the Old Testament to the New Testament. God repeatedly calls His people to holiness, reflecting His own nature. This call is not just an expectation but should define the lives of those who follow Him.
God, the Holy One of Israel
The holiness of God is central to His identity. In Leviticus 19:2, the Lord commands Israel:
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”
Throughout the Old Testament, the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” appears consistently, reinforcing that God’s holiness is not a distant theological concept but a reality that shapes His relationship with His people. His holiness sets Him apart, free from sin, pure in justice, and perfect in love. And yet, He calls His people to reflect that holiness—not merely in rituals, but in the way they live, love, and obey Him.
Christ, the Holy One of God
The same title given to God in the Old Testament is ascribed to Jesus in the New Testament. When demons encountered Jesus, they cried out:
“I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24)
Even Peter, after many had abandoned Jesus, declared:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)
Jesus did not merely reflect God’s holiness—He embodied it. His life was the perfect fulfillment of God’s call to holiness. He was unstained by sin, fully obedient to the Father, and completely set apart for God’s purposes.
Called to Be Holy as He Is Holy
Just as God called Israel to holiness, and just as Christ demonstrated holiness, we too are called to be holy. Peter echoes the command from Leviticus when he writes:
“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.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Holiness is not about perfectionism or moral superiority. It is about being set apart—living distinctly in a world that does not recognize God. It is about surrendering to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Christ’s righteousness to shape our thoughts, actions, and desires.
Practical Steps Toward Holiness
How do we pursue holiness in daily life?
I gave you homework to work on this week including these indicators that the process of becoming more and more holy was occuring. They included five passages of scripture with five corresponding questions.
1. 1Th. 4:3-5 Is my sex life under submission to Christ?
2. Rom. 12:1-2 Is my mind being renewed?
3. Eph. 4:17-23 Are my old habits fading as I put off my old self?
4. Col. 3:12-14 Am I becoming more and more patient, gentle and kind to others?
5. Gal. 5:22-23 Is my overall character being more and more shaped by the Spirit to be like Christ’s?
We are set apart—not to live in isolation, but to reflect the Holy One to a lonely and dark world. Just as Israel was called to be a holy nation, and just as Christ walked in perfect holiness, we are invited to be holy—not by our strength, but by His grace.
Let’s embrace this calling, together!