The concept of holiness may seem a bit archaic to our current generation. To some minds, the idea is associated with an “holier than thou” opposed attitude. Yet holiness is very much a scriptural idea. More importantly, God specifically commands us to be holy (Leviticus 11:44).

How to be holy has suffered from many false concepts. In some circles, holiness is equated with series of specific prohibitions. When we follow this approach to holiness, we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees with their endless lists of trivial dos and don’ts and their self-righteous attitude. For others, holiness means a particular style of dress and mannerisms. And for still others, it means unattainable perfection, an idea that fosters either delusion or discouragement about one’s sin.

All these ideas, while accurate to some degree, miss the true concept. To be holy is to be separated from sin and, therefore, consecrated to God. The word signifies “separation to God, and the conduct befitting those so separated.”

As indicated in scripture,God expects every Christian to live a holy life. But holiness is not only expected; it is the promised birthright of every Christian. The root meaning of the word translated as “holy” is “different”. A holy person is not an odd person but a different person. His life has a quality about it that is different. His lifestyle is not only different from his past way of life, but also different from the lifestyle of the unbelievers around him.

However, it is not easy to live in this world and maintain a holy walk. The anti-God atmosphere around us (called “the world”) is always pressing against us, trying to force us to conform.

Peter presented to his readers some spiritual incentives to encourage them (and us) to maintain a different lifestyle, a holy walk in a polluted world. The incentives to maintain a holy walk in a polluted world include the Glory of God, the Holiness of God, the Word of God, the Judgment of God, and the Love of God.

God’s Glory (1:13) Looking forward to Christ’s return strengthens our faith and hope in difficult times, and this imparts to us more of God’s grace. We must glorify God in our lives and in anticipation of our salvation from the presence of sin. “Anyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3).

God’s Holiness (1:15): In verse 13, Peter stressed on setting our minds and hope for future salvation as an incentive to live a holy life. Now, in vs. 14-16, his emphasis is on living as children of the Holy God. “So you must live as God’s Obedient Children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you dn, just as God, who chose you, is Holy.
‘For the scripture says, You must be holy because I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16). Children inherit the nature of their parents. God is holy; therefore, as His children, we should live holy lives. We are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and ought to reveal that nature in godly living. We can live a holy life because Holiness is our new nature in Christ.

God’s Word (1:16).The Word of God has a sanctifying ministry in the lives of dedicated believers (John 17:17). Those who delight in God’s Word, meditate on it, and seek to obey it will experience God’s direction and blessing in their lives (Psalm 1:1-3).The Word reveals God’s mind, so we should learn it; God’s heart, so we should love it; God’s will, so we should live it. Our whole being, mind, will, and heart, should be controlled by the Word of God.

Deep within,many Christians long to live a holy life.Yet, overtime, some come to believe it’s simply not possible.Some try to achieve holiness through sheer willpower; others rely solely on faith. Yet, despite their efforts, they struggle for years with persistent sins or character flaws-things that neither they nor God are pleased with.

We continue to wrestle with pride, jealousy, materialism, impatience, and lust. We overindulge, waste resources, gossip, and fall into countless other sins. Then we wonder: Are we truly empowered to live a holy life? We quietly ask ourselves this question. The truth is, we often confuse what God has done for us with what we must do for ourselves. It is crucial to make this
distinction.

God has indeed made provision for us to live a holy life, but He has also given us clear responsibilities. He has given us grace, forgiveness, and His Spirit to guide us. He called us. When Jesus called Peter and his friends, they responded by faith, and that changed their lives completely. Our regeneration is a call to Holy Living. We are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15).

God called us before we called on Him for salvation. It is all by grace. But God’s gracious election of sinners to become saints always involves responsibility and not just privilege.

He calls us to Himself, and He is Holy.

As we humbly engage with the scriptures each day in this year, may we experience God the Holy Father and receive grace without which no one can see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14). Happy New Year!!

E. Derek Koomson (Rev.)
General Director/CEO
Scripture Union Ghana