How does Leviticus 20:7 connect with 1 Peter 1:16 on holiness? Setting the Foundation Leviticus 20:7: “Consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.” 1 Peter 1:16: “for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Shared Language, Shared Call • Both passages carry the same imperative: “Be holy.” • Peter explicitly quotes Leviticus, showing the Old Testament command still stands for New Testament believers. • God Himself is the reason and standard: “I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 20:7) and “I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness Begins with Consecration • Leviticus connects holiness to “consecrating” or setting ourselves apart. • In Peter’s context (1 Peter 1:14–15), believers are to turn from “former ignorance” and live as “obedient children.” • Consecration is both positional (God sets us apart, 1 Corinthians 6:11) and practical (we actively pursue purity, Hebrews 12:14). Continuity of God’s Character • God’s unchanging nature undergirds both commands (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). • Because He is holy, His people—whether Israel in the desert or scattered New Testament believers—must reflect Him (Leviticus 11:44–45). Practical Expressions of Holiness • Obedience: “You shall keep My statutes and practice them” (Leviticus 20:8); Peter echoes this with “be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). • Separation from sin: Leviticus lists moral boundaries; Peter urges believers to “abstain from the passions of the flesh” (1 Peter 2:11). • Reverent living: Both passages link holiness with fearing God (Leviticus 19:14; 1 Peter 1:17). Grace-Empowered Holiness • Leviticus anticipates sacrifice for cleansing (Leviticus 16). • Peter points to the fulfillment: “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18–19). • The same God who commands holiness provides the means through atonement and the empowering Spirit (Romans 8:11; Galatians 5:16). Why the Connection Matters Today • Shows Scripture’s unity: Old and New Testaments speak with one voice. • Affirms that moral standards did not change with the covenants; they are deepened in Christ. • Encourages believers that holiness is attainable because God Himself works in us (Philippians 2:13). |
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