We are familiar with Peter’s use of God’s words in the book of Leviticus (11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7), “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Here we see that our own holiness has a compelling reason. We are imitating God! This was Peter’s thesis in his text, “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1:15).
While we may have some concept of holiness, let’s consider God’s definition as found in the Greek language. The Greek word hagios denotes something that is sacred. It has reference to an object that has been separated from what is common, and is therefore worthy of veneration. In reference to a man, it is used to indicate moral goodness. Someone who is pure, sinless, upright. The Old Testament Hebrew word qados is used essentially in the same way.
First, we note Peter’s contention that God is holy; intrinsically. When Moses appeared before God at the burning bush, the very ground where he stood (because it had been chosen by God’s presence), was holy. It was no longer common, and was worthy of veneration. “Then He [God] said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground’” (Exodus 3:5).
God’s holiness indicates a worthiness of veneration. He is God. He is omnipotent and omniscient. He is our Creator. We are wholly dependent upon Him both for our existence and our continued sustenance. We ought to praise Him as He was praised by the four living creatures and twenty-four elders gathered around his throne in Revelation 4:11, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” In fact, this type of veneration is the constant work of the four living creatures, who do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8).
But it is not merely His place which makes Him worthy of the description Holy. He is also morally upright and pure! This was recognized by the prophet Isaiah as God called him to prophesy. He had a vision where he was in the presence of God. He said, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). Psalm 145: 8-10 states, “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, and Your saints shall bless You.”
And so the holiness of God’s children is in response to the Father’s attribute and person. We do this as both a natural obligation, and one which is impressed upon us in scripture. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
For us, the call to be holy must begin in our mind. This is indicated by Paul’s exhortation to the Romans, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). This is also indicated in our text, where Peter exhorted, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourself to the former lusts; as in your ignorance” (1:13-14). This is both an indication of what must be our will, and what is our hope, “the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” So we have both what God expects of us, and the motivation that God supplies to animate our efforts.
And that is the other part of holiness. We are to be holy in mind, and that leads to holiness in our conduct. One does not exist without the other. Obviously if our mind is not pure, our actions will not be. However, we equally assert that it is not possible for us to have a pure mind if our actions are unholy/sinful. Note how John put it, “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:5-8).
We are to become holy (Romans 12:1). We are to come out of the world and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are to walk in the light (1 John 1:5-8). We are to submit to the authority/commands of Jesus (John 14:15). True, genuine faith is seen in holiness in conduct (1 Peter 1:15).
Holiness requires complete submission on our part. God resists the proud, but extends His grace to those who humble themselves before His will. “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones’” (Isaiah 57:15).
This is our purpose, why we are God’s chosen ones. He has called us! Out of the world, to serve Him. “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). So what about it, are you going to just play at being one of God’s children, or are you going to “conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear?” (1 Peter 1:17).
