God is... Holy

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

The word holy, when applied to God, means that He is undefiled by sin, free from all wickedness. He is perfectly pure and morally clean, set apart and sacred. Scripture tells us over and over again that this is what God is like. 

1 Samuel 2:2, for example, says, “There is no one holy like the Lord.” Other people and things may be holy, but none of them are holy like our God is holy. God’s holiness is unique. In Revelation 15:4 seven angels sing a song to God that says in part, “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.” So, God is holy! 

That truth has import for our lives in many ways. But let me point out two. First, Hebrews 12:14 says, “without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Holiness really does matter, because without it you will not see God! This is why Jesus died. He died to set you free from sin and make you holy. Hebrews 10:14 says this of Jesus. It says by His “sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Jesus died, so you could be made holy that you might see the Lord. 

Which brings us to our second application. Every believer is called to pursue holiness and Christ-likeness. We're called to keep ourselves separate from sin and set apart for God’s use. As Christians we are called to be holy like God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). So, pursue holiness. Live a set-apart life. Live set apart from this world and its desires and temptations. Don't indulge your flesh; feed your spirit. Then you will live a life that is pleasing to God.