Christians are called to live holy lives, renouncing their former lifestyle/behavior. 1 Peter 1:14-16 presents to each of us a call to personal holiness:
As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Verse 14 reminds us that obedience should characterize every true child of GOD. It distinguishes Christians from those who aren’t, who are called in Ephesians 2:2 “the sons of disobedience.” We are called to a life of holiness because of who we are – Christians – and because of who we belong to – JESUS.
This life of holiness is experienced when, according to verse 14, we are not conforming ourselves to the former lusts that we conformed to when we did not have relationship with GOD through His Son, JESUS. The word “ignorance” literally means “did not know any better.” It is derived from the word agonia (a = “not” + gnonia = “knowing”).
Verse 15 reminds us of the very GOD who called us to salvation is the same GOD today who calls us to live a holy lifestyle.
What is the definition of holy? In the original Koine Greek, the word for holy is hagois. The word literally means “different.”
· The Temple is “holy” because it is different from other buildings.
· The Sabbath is holy because it is different from other days.
· The Christian is holy because he/she is different from non-Christians.
Let’s rephrase verse 15: But as He (GOD) who called you is different; you also be different in all your conduct.
In his book “Loving GOD,” Chuck Colson wrote:
Holiness is the everyday business of every Christian. It evidences itself in the decisions we make and the things we do, hour by hour, day by day.
John Brown, a 19th century Scottish theologian, said, “Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervors, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as GOD thinks, and willing as GOD wills.”
Verse 16 reminds us of that personal holiness – personal differentness – should be our passion. This verse is a direct quote from the Old Testament. The same words are found in Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, and 20:7. The same words are also included in the Mosaic law, Exodus 19:5-6 and Deuteronomy 7:6-8.
John MacArthur challenges us with these words:
As the children of Israel were called to love and serve GOD and to separate themselves from immorality and uncleanness, believers today must heed the sovereign call to bear His image and obey His commands to be holy since the HOLY ONE has identified Himself with them in an eternally glorious work of saving grace.
As one commentator wrote:
To be holy is our obligation, but not in the sense of an outward, legal requirement that is laid upon us, for which we must furnish the ability and the power, but as a result of GOD’s call which furnished the power and the ability. The gospel call to holiness always includes the bestowal of the spiritual power.
Pastor Mike