Pursuing Holiness: Becoming Holy as Our Heavenly Father is Holy

In the scriptures, believers are called to a life of holiness, reflecting the holiness of our Heavenly Father. This call to holiness is both a profound privilege and a significant responsibility. To become holy as Yehovah is holy means to set ourselves apart for His purposes, striving to live a life that mirrors His character and values. Let’s delve into what it means to pursue holiness, supported by key scriptures.

The Call to Holiness

The command to be holy is clearly articulated in the Bible. In Leviticus 19:2, Yehovah commands, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” This call is echoed in the New Testament by Peter: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Understanding Holiness

Holiness, in its essence, means to be set apart and dedicated to Yehovah. It involves both moral purity and spiritual dedication. As believers, we are called to reflect the character of Yehovah in our daily lives, which includes living according to His commandments and values.

Scriptures on Holiness

1. Leviticus 20:26 – “You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”
2. 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
3. Hebrews 12:14 – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
4. 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
5. Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Practical Steps Toward Holiness

1. Prayer and Reflection: Regularly seeking Yehovah through prayer and meditation on His word helps us align our hearts and minds with His will.
2. Obedience to His Commandments: Living in accordance with Yehovah’s laws and teachings, as outlined in the Torah and reaffirmed by Yeshua, is fundamental to holiness.
3. Repentance and Forgiveness: Continually turning away from sin and seeking Yehovah’s forgiveness keeps us on the path of righteousness.
4. Fellowship and Accountability: Surrounding ourselves with other believers who encourage and hold us accountable in our walk with Yehovah is crucial.

The Example of Yeshua

Yeshua, our Messiah, is the ultimate example of holiness. His life was a perfect reflection of the Father’s will. In John 17:19, Yeshua says, “For their sake I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” By following His example, we learn what it truly means to live a holy life.

Conclusion

To become holy as our Heavenly Father is holy is a lifelong journey of dedication, transformation, and obedience. It is a call to live differently from the world, reflecting the light and love of Yehovah in every aspect of our lives. As we pursue holiness, we draw closer to Him, fulfilling our purpose as His chosen people.

May we all strive to live holy lives, set apart for the glory of Yehovah, and continually seek to reflect His holiness in all that we do.