“but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”

We come to the fifth of five directives.

but as He who called you is holy

“But” – a conjunction of contrast.

“Called” is the point of our salvation. At that point, we received the characteristics of our Father. We received inherent characteristics from Him. God called; we answered.

“For many are called, but few are chosen,” (Matthew 22:14)

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified,” (Romans 8:28-30).

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

“But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God,” (1 Corinthians 1:24).

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,” (Galatians 1:6).

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace,” (Galatians 1:15).

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,” (2 Timothy 1:9).

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,” (Hebrews 3:1).

“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).

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you,” (1 Peter 5:10).

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble,” (2 Peter 1:10).

God is our pattern of holiness. Although we must imitate Him, we cannot equal Him. God is absolute in holiness. As the suit is a reflection of the pattern, so our lives should be a reflection of the one who saved us. God does not conform to a standard; He is the standard. God is immediately holy from all eternity. His holiness is not derived.

PRINCIPLE:

God calls us to bear a family resemblance.

APPLICATION:

God is holy and produces holy people. Are you in the process of becoming more like God?