because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16 KJV
In 1 Peter 1:16, we find a profound command: “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” This verse reveals that God’s holiness defines His very nature. Holiness is not just something that describes Him; it is His very essence. Unlike humans, who are sanctified to receive holiness, God possesses an uncreated, eternal, and unchanging holiness. He does not strive to be holy—holiness is inherent in His nature. From eternity past to eternity future, His holiness remains absolute, shaping His thoughts, words, and deeds.
God’s holiness reflects His infinite perfection, ensuring He stays free from flaws, weakness, or moral impurity. Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Everything about Him is inherently good, as Psalm 25:8 affirms. Exodus 15:11 further proclaims His holiness, asking, “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Because He is holy, He remains completely free from sin, and no darkness exists in Him. His holiness upholds His righteousness, justice, and love, making Him the perfect and untainted Judge of all creation.
When God calls us to be holy, we must recognise the distinction between His holiness and ours. While God’s holiness is inherent, we receive holiness through faith in Christ. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory. Although God remains perfectly holy, we must actively pursue holiness through obedience and spiritual discipline. Hebrews 12:10 assures us that God disciplines us so we can share in His holiness. Since we cannot achieve holiness on our own, God grants it by His grace and cultivates it through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit works within believers to conform us to the image of Christ. His name is holy, as Isaiah 57:15 proclaims, and His laws and judgments also reflect His holiness. Even His throne, from which He rules in righteousness, is described as holy. God’s holiness is not a distant concept; it is central to His relationship with His people.
Throughout Scripture, God’s holiness shapes His divine encounters. Before delivering Israel from bondage, He revealed His holiness to Moses (Exodus 3:1-15). Before Joshua led Israel into battle, he witnessed God’s holiness, which affirmed divine authority (Joshua 5:13-15). Isaiah also received a vision of God’s holiness before He called him as a prophet (Isaiah 6:1-6). At Mount Sinai, God established His covenant with Israel and called them to a life of holiness (Exodus 19:12-25). Additionally, holiness was required in the priesthood, the tabernacle, and the sacrifices, demonstrating God’s unchanging standard.
Because God is holy, He calls His people to live holy lives. He cannot tolerate sin, as Habakkuk 1:13 states: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” For this reason, the Holy Spirit sanctifies believers and leads us in holiness. Saved individuals must separate themselves from sinful ways and maintain a close relationship with God. Holiness is not optional; it is essential. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
God’s holiness calls those who have not received salvation to repentance. As He is perfectly holy, sinners must approach Him through Jesus Christ, who alone makes them holy through His blood. Those who seek to partake in God’s holiness must accept Christ as Lord and Saviour and walk according to His Word. Through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers let God transform and empower them to live in holiness.
Holiness invites us to draw closer to God, not merely to meet an expectation. He remains perfectly holy, never increasing or diminishing, yet He graciously imparts holiness to those who come to Him in faith. As a holy God, He calls us to dedicate our lives—our worship, thoughts, resources, and even our bodies—to Him in purity and righteousness. We must live in holiness to stand in His presence and see Him in eternity. The call is clear: surrender to Him today. Accept His cleansing power, and let Him make you holy.