God commands Us To Be Holy, For He Is Holy
1 Peter 1:16
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy”
for it is written:
This phrase indicates that the author, Peter, is referencing a previous scripture, emphasizing the continuity and authority of the Old Testament in the New Testament teachings. The phrase “it is written” is a common formula used in the New Testament to introduce quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures, underscoring their divine inspiration and enduring relevance. This particular reference is to Leviticus 11:44-45, 19:2, and 20:7, where God commands the Israelites to be holy. The use of this phrase highlights the importance of scripture as the foundation for Christian doctrine and ethical instruction.
“Be holy,
Holiness in the biblical context refers to being set apart for God’s purposes, reflecting His character and moral purity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, holiness was often associated with ritual purity and separation from the profane. For the Israelites, holiness involved adherence to the Law, which included moral, ceremonial, and dietary regulations. In the New Testament, holiness is expanded to include the transformation of the believer’s life through the Holy Spirit, aligning one’s conduct with the character of Christ. This call to holiness is not merely about external observance but an internal transformation that affects all aspects of life.
because I am holy.”
This statement is a direct quote from God, emphasizing that the standard for holiness is God’s own nature. In the biblical narrative, God’s holiness is a central attribute, signifying His absolute moral perfection and otherness. The call for believers to be holy as God is holy establishes a relational dynamic where God’s people are to reflect His character in the world. This concept is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as Matthew 5:48, where Jesus calls His followers to be perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect. The holiness of God serves as both the motivation and the model for Christian living, underscoring the transformative power of the gospel to conform believers to the image of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers scattered throughout Asia Minor.
2. Asia Minor
The region where the recipients of Peter’s letter were located, which is modern-day Turkey. The early Christians here faced persecution and needed guidance on living a holy life amidst trials.
3. Old Testament Reference
Peter quotes from Leviticus, where God commands the Israelites to be holy. This connection emphasizes the continuity of God’s call to holiness from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Teaching PointsUnderstanding Holiness
Holiness is not merely moral purity but being set apart for God’s purposes. It involves aligning our lives with God’s character and will.
Reflecting God’s Character
As believers, we are called to reflect God’s holiness in our conduct. This means living in a way that honors God and distinguishes us from the world.
Holiness in Daily Life
Holiness should permeate every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and attitudes to our actions and relationships. It requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
The Role of Scripture
Engaging with God’s Word is essential for understanding and pursuing holiness. Scripture provides guidance, correction, and encouragement in our journey toward holiness.
Community and Accountability
Being part of a Christian community helps us grow in holiness. Fellow believers can provide support, encouragement, and accountability as we strive to live holy lives.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) Be ye holy; for I am holy.–The better reading here is, Ye shall he holy; it is still, however, a command, not a promise–except that all God’s commands are promises. The command comes some five or six times in the Book of Leviticus, addressed not only to the Levites, but to all the people. It would, therefore, apply twice over to the recipients of this letter by virtue of their twofold consecration, in the old and in the new Israel.
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 16. – Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy; literally, according to the best manuscripts, ye shall be holy – future for imperative. The words occur five times in the Book of Leviticus. God had called the Israelites to be his peculiar people, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5, 6). He has called us Christians to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9). He is holy, awful in holiness; in his sight “the heavens are not clean.” We who are his must strive to be holy, separated from all that is impure, consecrated to his service.
Greekfor
διότι (dioti)
Conjunction
Strong’s 1360: On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.
it is written:
γέγραπται (gegraptai)
Verb – Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive – 3rd Person Singular
Strong’s 1125: A primary verb; to ‘grave’, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.
“Be
ἔσεσθε (esesthe)
Verb – Future Indicative Middle – 2nd Person Plural
Strong’s 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
holy,
Ἅγιοι (Hagioi)
Adjective – Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong’s 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.
because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong’s 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.
I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun – Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong’s 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb – Present Indicative Active – 1st Person Singular
Strong’s 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
holy.”
ἅγιος (hagios)
Adjective – Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong’s 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.
Leviticus 20:7
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
Definition
sanctify
verb
sanc·ti·fy ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌfī
sanctified; sanctifying
1 : to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : CONSECRATE
2 : to free from sin : PURIFY
3a : to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to
3b : to give moral or social sanction to
4 : to make productive of holiness or pietyobserve the day of the sabbath, to sanctify it—Deuteronomy 5:12 (Douay Version)
1 Peter 1:15-16
15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Definition
holy
ἅγιος (hagios)
Strong: G39, G40
GK: G41
separate from common condition and use; dedicated. Lk. 2:23; hallowed; used of things, τὰ ἅγια, the sanctuary; and of persons, saints, e.g., members of the first Christian communities; pure, righteous, ceremonially or morally; holy
Hebrews 12:14-16
14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Definition
holiness
1 of 2
noun
ho·li·ness ˈhō-lē-nəs
1 : the quality or state of being holy —used as a title for various high religious dignitaries. His Holiness the Pope
Jeremiah 2:1-3
1Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
3Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.
Definition
See Holiness
Romans 6:19-20
19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Definition
righteousness
δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē)
Strong: G1343
GK: G1466
fair and equitable dealing, justice, Acts 17:31; Heb. 11:33; Rom. 9:28; integrity, virtue, Lk. 1:75; Eph. 5:9; in NT generosity, alms, 2 Cor. 9:10, v.r.; Mt. 6:1; piety, godliness, Rom. 6:13; investiture with the attribute of righteousness, acceptance as righteous, justification, Rom. 4:11; 10:4, et al. freq.; a provision or mean for justification, Rom. 1:17; 2 Cor. 3:9; an instance of justification, 2 Cor. 5:21
Romans 6:21-22
21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.