Why does God call believers to live a holy life?

Living a holy life is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and it is a calling that permeates the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The concept of holiness, or sanctification, is not merely about adhering to a set of moral guidelines; it is about embodying the character and nature of God. To understand why God calls believers to live a holy life, we must delve into the nature of God, the purpose of humanity, and the transformative power of sanctification.

First, it is essential to understand that God Himself is holy. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." God's holiness is intrinsic to His nature, and it signifies His absolute purity, righteousness, and separation from sin. As believers, we are called to reflect God's character. Leviticus 19:2 says, "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.'" This call is reiterated in the New Testament in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "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.'"

The call to holiness is not arbitrary; it is rooted in our relationship with God. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we enter into a covenant relationship with God. This relationship transforms us and sets us apart for His purposes. Ephesians 1:4 tells us that God "chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Our holiness is a reflection of our new identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Holiness is also about intimacy with God. Sin creates a barrier between us and God, but holiness brings us closer to Him. James 4:8 encourages us, "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Living a holy life enables us to experience the fullness of God's presence and blessings. Psalm 24:3-4 asks, "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god."

Moreover, holiness is about our witness to the world. As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). Our holy living serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. When we live according to God's standards, we stand out in a world that often embraces sin. This distinctiveness can draw others to Christ. 1 Peter 2:12 exhorts us, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Sanctification is also a process of becoming more like Christ. Romans 8:29 tells us that God's purpose for us is to be "conformed to the image of his Son." This process involves the Holy Spirit working in us to transform our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are evidence of a holy life.

Furthermore, living a holy life is about obedience to God's commandments. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commands." Our obedience is an expression of our love for God and our commitment to His will. It is also a response to His grace and mercy. Romans 12:1 urges us, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

The pursuit of holiness is not without its challenges. We live in a fallen world, and we have a sinful nature that resists God's standards. However, God provides us with the resources we need to live a holy life. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and grow in righteousness. Philippians 2:13 reassures us, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Additionally, God's Word guides us in the path of holiness. Psalm 119:9 asks, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word."

Christian literature also offers valuable insights into the pursuit of holiness. In his classic work, "The Pursuit of Holiness," Jerry Bridges emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and reliance on God's grace. He writes, "We are not only called to be holy, but we are also enabled to be holy. The power to live a holy life comes from the Holy Spirit, but the responsibility for living that life is ours." Similarly, A.W. Tozer in "The Knowledge of the Holy" underscores the significance of understanding God's holiness and its implications for our lives. He states, "We cannot grasp the true meaning of the divine holiness by thinking of someone or something very pure and then raising the concept to the highest degree we are capable of. God's holiness is not simply the best we know infinitely bettered. We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible, and unattainable."

In conclusion, God calls believers to live a holy life because it reflects His character, deepens our relationship with Him, serves as a witness to the world, conforms us to the image of Christ, and demonstrates our obedience to His commandments. Holiness is not about perfection but about progress. It is a journey of transformation that requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit and our commitment to God's Word. As we pursue holiness, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us and bring glory to His name.