Be Holy, For I am Holy

By Roderick Breem

Notice the command is to “be” holy and not to act holy. For some reason the word holy has gotten a bad rap. But it simply means to set something (or someone) apart for sacred use. It is like the Fine China your mother only took out on special occasions. It would be ridiculous or even blasphemous to use that Fine China for Friday night Pizza.

I believe the Lord has shown me there is a lot of mixture in the body of Christ. Many have been corrupted with worldly ideas. God and His foundation are there, yes, but that corruption has made its way to many crucial areas in the heart and mind. The book of 1 Peter has some wonderful direction for us who have been corrupted. Let’s sit at the feet of this sacred text and get free.

In chapter one in verses 1-12 Peter beautifully communicates the truths of salvation to the belivers like “..who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v.3) and “Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you.” (v.10)

Then in verse 13 he says “Therefore…” Whenever you see that word be sure to see what the there is for. It will make you a good student of the Word.

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (v.13)

There is much in this verse that cries for our attention. First off to “gird up the loins” refers to a person preparing to run. They would tie up their tunics so movement is not hindered. Peter is saying the believers (and us) should gather up the thoughts that scatter and hinder movement.

Next, they were called to be “sober.” Now, Peter did not exclusively mean not being drunk. The Greek word there is nēphō and means “to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit – to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect.” Right now the enemy is sowing the opposite – people that are frayed, rattled, angry and passionate for evil.

Lastly, look at the phrase “and rest your hope fully upon the grace.” A proper translation would be “and hope to the end upon the grace.” Yes Lord, we will hope until the end. We will not give up or give in in Jesus’ name.

Peter continues with what I call the crux of his message:

“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.’” (vv.15-16)

Peter was taking a quote from the book of Leviticus. (see Lev 11:44; Lev 19:2; Lev 20:7) God, talking to the people of Israel, called them to be holy as He was holy. He wants us to “be” holy and not just conform to certain outward religious rules.

What does it mean to be holy anyway? Well for one thing it means we are set apart for God alone. The time of believers being able to have one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom are over. There are some places here in the United States where one can literally stand in two different States at the same time. It is a fun, novel thing to do. But that is not for us believers. God is a jealous God and wants ALL of us.

Amos 3:3 poses an interesting question: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” We have a choice who we walk with. But you can’t walk with God also hold the hand of the Devil. It doesn’t work that way. That time has come to an end. Look where it has gotten you anyway.

I will leave you with the words Peter penned through the Holy Spirit to us:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

We are a “chosen” (picked out) generation, a “royal priesthood” a “holy nation” and His “own special people.” Amazing! Listen, Jesus gave His all to and for us and He requires nothing less in return from us.

Be holy.