Am I expected to live a holy life in this world?

Living a holy life is an essential aspect of Christian faith, rooted deeply in biblical teachings. The Bible emphasizes the call to holiness for believers, not just as a moral aspiration but as a fundamental aspect of their relationship with God. This article will explore what it means to live a holy life according to Scripture, detailing the biblical expectations and practical implications for believers.

The Call to Holiness in the Old Testament

Holiness Defined

The concept of holiness is first introduced in the Old Testament and is foundational for understanding God’s expectations for His people. Holiness is more than just moral purity; it encompasses being set apart for God’s purposes and reflecting His character.

“For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy, for I am holy; neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Leviticus 11:44 (NKJV)

In this passage, God calls His people to be holy because He is holy. This command underscores the idea that holiness is a reflection of God’s own nature and that His people are to mirror His purity and distinctiveness.

Holiness in Conduct and Worship

The Old Testament laws provided detailed instructions on how to live a holy life, emphasizing both moral conduct and ceremonial practices. These laws were intended to set Israel apart from other nations and to guide them in their relationship with God.

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'” Leviticus 19:2 (NKJV)

This command reinforces the idea that holiness is not optional but a divine mandate for God’s people. It includes both ethical behavior and adherence to God’s commandments.

“‘And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Exodus 19:6 (NKJV)

Here, Israel is described as a “holy nation,” indicating that their identity as God’s people is intrinsically linked to their holiness. This role involves living in a way that reflects God’s character and upholds His standards.

The New Testament Call to Holiness

Jesus’ Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the call to holiness, emphasizing the need for internal transformation rather than mere external adherence to the law.

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 (NKJV)

Jesus sets a high standard for His followers, calling them to strive for perfection, which is essentially a call to live a life that reflects God’s character and moral excellence.

Apostolic Exhortations

The apostles continue the theme of holiness, providing practical instructions for living a life that is pleasing to God. Their teachings reflect the continuity of the call to holiness from the Old Testament into the new covenant.

“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.'” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV)

Peter echoes the Old Testament command, applying it to New Testament believers. Holiness is presented as an essential aspect of Christian living, extending to every aspect of life.

“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NKJV)

Paul asserts that God’s call to believers is a call to holiness, emphasizing that this is the divine intention for their lives. Holiness is not a mere suggestion but an integral part of God’s plan for His people.

The Basis for Holiness

The Work of Christ

The basis for living a holy life is grounded in the work of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice and resurrection provide the foundation for believers to pursue holiness.

“By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 (NKJV)

Jesus’ sacrifice sanctifies believers, setting them apart for God’s purposes. This act of grace enables them to live in a manner that is pleasing to God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to live a holy life. The Spirit’s work includes guiding, convicting, and transforming believers to reflect God’s character.

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)

Paul explains that living a holy life involves walking in the Spirit, which helps believers overcome sinful desires and live according to God’s standards.

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13 (NKJV)

The Spirit empowers believers to overcome the sinful nature and live a life that aligns with God’s righteousness.

Practical Aspects of Living a Holy Life

Moral Conduct

Living a holy life involves adhering to high moral standards and avoiding behaviors that are contrary to God’s commands.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)

Paul urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These virtues are essential aspects of holy living.

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Colossians 3:5-10 (NKJV)

This passage provides practical guidance for holy living, including putting off sinful behaviors and embracing a new, righteous way of life.

Spiritual Practices

Regular engagement in spiritual practices such as prayer, reading Scripture, and worship is integral to maintaining a holy life.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

These practices help believers remain connected to God, reinforcing their commitment to live according to His will.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 (NKJV)

Drawing near to God through spiritual disciplines facilitates personal transformation and growth in holiness.

Ethical Relationships

Living a holy life also involves maintaining ethical and loving relationships with others.

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV)

Paul emphasizes that love is central to ethical behavior and that fulfilling the law involves loving others genuinely and selflessly.

Challenges in Pursuing Holiness

The Influence of the World

Believers face the challenge of living a holy life in a world that often promotes values contrary to God’s standards.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (NKJV)

John warns against being influenced by worldly values that can detract from living a holy life.

The Struggle with Sin

Believers continue to struggle with sin, despite their commitment to holiness. The process of sanctification involves ongoing growth and struggle.

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” Romans 7:15 (NKJV)

Paul describes the internal conflict that believers face as they strive to live a holy life. This struggle is part of the sanctification process, wherein believers are continually transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Assurance and Future Hope

Despite the challenges, believers have the assurance of ultimate victory over sin and the hope of being fully conformed to the image of Christ.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Paul assures believers that God is faithful to complete the work of sanctification, ultimately leading them to full holiness.

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3 (NKJV)

The future hope of being with Christ motivates believers to pursue purity and holiness in their lives.

Conclusion

The Bible clearly calls believers to live a holy life, grounded in both the Old and New Testaments. Holiness is not merely an optional aspect of Christian living but a fundamental expectation of God for His people. This call involves reflecting God’s character, pursuing moral purity, engaging in spiritual practices, and maintaining ethical relationships.

Despite the challenges, believers are empowered by the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit to pursue holiness and are assured of ultimate victory and transformation.

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