“…let us 1purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, PERFECTING 2HOLINESS out of reverence for God.” (2 Corin. 7:1) 1katharos: cleanse, purify. 2hagiōsunē: holiness, sanctity, a holy or sanctified state.
What authority does Paul have telling us we need to be perfecting holiness? I’m pretty sure that he gets it from here: “I am the LORD…your God; therefore, BE HOLY, BECAUSE I AM HOLY.” (Lev. 11:45)
Peter tells us that: “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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 1:14-16)
Ok, we are commanded to be holy but how do we become holy? Paul teaches us in Romans: “I am using an example from everyday life…Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness…NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SET FREE FROM SIN and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Rom.6:19, 22).
Sanctification is what sets us free from sin and empowers us to live holy.
“…do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God…And such were some of you. But you were washed, YOU WERE SANCTIFIED, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corin. 6:9-11)
Why is living a holy life so important? “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD.” (Heb. 12:14)
I want to see the Lord – so, I commit myself to a life of holiness…Bill Stockham