Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16
For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
Leviticus 11:45
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 20:7
Unfortunately we are living in a time that Christianity is being compromised and diluted. Ideas, strategies, and practices of the world are being instituted and accepted as the norm into the service of the Lord. In many cases it’s difficult to distinguish the church from an event in the secular arena. When this state of affair prevails, only a mere facsimile exist of what and how God mandated and intended for mankind to glorify Him. The scriptures best describe this prevailing condition as “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7
God clearly commanded through Apostle Peter “be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). This is not only New Testament requirement, but Old Testament as well (Leviticus 11:45). God has and always will require His people to be holy. Being holy does not change with the times and seasons or a disparity between generations. The standard of holiness is the same across the board regardless of the age, race, gender, conditions, circumstances or situations.
Holiness is a lifestyle — merely being and doing things as God would. There must be an inward transformation before there can be a change in one’s ethics or morals. This can only be accomplished by being sanctified through blood of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost. Sanctification cleanses an individual of the sin nature and the Holy Ghost is the “keeping” agent empowering one for godly service (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7).
Living holy — staying free from sin and the temptations and allurements of the world — brings honor and glory to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Everything one does is no longer viewed from the person’s perspective, but God’s. Holiness (God’s standard) is brought to bear regardless of the arena. God’s will is sought for kingdom building and not the ways of the world. God is calling for a consecrated and a separated people even in this millennium (2 Corinthians 7:1).