Holiness

God saves us so that we will be holy. “He chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4). In light of this grand purpose, Peter commands us, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14-16).

As we follow Jesus, we ought to grow in moral purity, leaving behind the sin that God hates and embracing the righteous character that God loves. We ought to become less like the sinful world and more like our holy God. Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Paul also warns us that those who disregard holiness and walk in unrepentant sin should not deceive themselves into believing that they are disciples (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). True disciples will always progress in holiness, which is why the author of Hebrews can say, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (13:1). This doesn’t mean that our holiness earns our salvation; instead, those who have truly been saved will always grow in holiness.

God wants you to be holy: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). God also wants you to have joy: “Rejoice always … for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). These desires are not contradictory, instead, they fuel one another. As you pursue joy in Christ, you want to reflect his holiness, and as you pursue the holiness of Christ, you experience the joy of being like him. “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love … These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10-11).