"Be Ye Holy, for I Am Holy"

From: The Christian Shepherd: 1999

By: Robert L. DeWitt

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Duration: 2min

1 Peter 1:16 • 1 min. read • grade level: 8

Holiness has been defined as a nature which delights in purity and repels evil. In 1 Peter 2:5⁵Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5) believers are called holy priests.

In all manner of life, Christians should have the bearing of holiness, for we are made holy (Rom. 12:1¹I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1); Eph. 4:24²⁴And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24); Heb. 12:14¹⁴Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14); 1 Peter 1:15-16¹⁵But 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. (1 Peter 1:15‑16)). Our spiritual standing is in holiness because of the work of Christ on the cross. We are exhorted to practically walk in that manner in our lives.

Appearances often reflect what is in the heart. For instance, we are careful what we wear to weddings, funerals or into the presence of a dignitary. Surely, we should have that same care about coming into the Lord’s presence in the assembly.

Conversation, too, marks holiness in walk. In Ephesians 5:4⁴Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4), “foolish talking” is forbidden to believers while James 3:8-10⁸But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (James 3:8‑10) calls our tongue an “unruly evil.” Let each seek that “the words of my mouth” are “acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord” (Psa. 19:14¹⁴Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)).

Behavior ought to be circumspect (Eph. 5:15-21¹⁵See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ¹⁹Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:15‑21)), and we ought at all times to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22²²Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)).

Thoughts can be edifying or corrupting. Let us take heed to 2 Corinthians 2:11¹¹Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11), watching “lest Satan should get an advantage” of us. Let us ever remember to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23²³Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)).

R. L. DeWitt (adapted)

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Robert L. DeWitt Articles in Other Sources

• "Be Ye Holy, for I Am Holy"

• Brief Thoughts on Eternal Security

• Futurists

• "Occupy Till I Come"

• Personal Forgiveness

• Sea to Cross, The