How does Matthew 5:48 connect with Leviticus 19:2 about holiness?

Holiness—God’s Unchanging Standard

God’s character does not shift between covenants; the same holy nature shines in Leviticus 19:2 and Matthew 5:48, forming one seamless call.

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Leviticus 19:2—Holiness Commanded Under the Law

“Speak to the entire congregation of Israel and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’”

• Audience: the whole nation, not only priests

• Basis: God’s own holiness

• Scope: every facet of life—worship, ethics, relationships

• Hebrew qadosh: set apart, morally pure

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Matthew 5:48—Holiness Summarized by Jesus

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

• Context: Sermon on the Mount, heart-level righteousness

• Greek teleios: complete, mature, fully developed

• Foundation: the Father’s character, echoing Leviticus

• Imperative: not optional—Jesus restates the ancient call

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A Single Divine Call Echoing Through Scripture

• Both verses ground holiness in who God is

• Both encompass outward deeds and inward motives

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 directly links them: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

• The mandate remains constant from Law to Gospel

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What “Be Holy/Perfect” Looks Like Today

• Moral purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

• Compassionate love reflecting the Father (Matthew 5:45)

• Justice and honesty (Leviticus 19:11)

• Freedom from idolatry (1 John 5:21)

• Active pursuit of sanctification (Hebrews 12:14)

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How Christ Enables the Command

• Perfect Example: Jesus lived unblemished (Hebrews 7:26)

• Perfect Sacrifice: His blood cleanses (Hebrews 9:14)

• New Heart: Spirit writes the law within (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23)

• Ongoing Growth: “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

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Living the Connection

• Worship: beholding God’s holiness transforms us (2 Colossians 3:18)

• Depend on grace: holiness flows from acceptance, not for it (Ephesians 1:4-7)

• Cultivate integrity: align inner motives with outer actions

• Walk in the Spirit: His power makes holiness attainable

Leviticus 19:2 and Matthew 5:48 together reveal one majestic theme: God graciously calls His people to mirror His own holy perfection—and through Christ He provides both the pattern and the power to do so.