What does holiness mean in the context of 1 Peter 1:16? Setting the scene Peter is writing to believers “scattered” throughout Asia Minor, people feeling like exiles in cultures that don’t share their faith (1 Peter 1:1). Right after celebrating their new birth and living hope (1:3–5), he turns to daily conduct: “but 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) What “holy” means • Greek hagios: “set apart,” “distinct,” “consecrated.” • Two sides: – Separation from everything sinful or common. – Dedication to God’s exclusive use and pleasure. • God’s own character is the standard; we mirror Him rather than inventing our own version of goodness. Old Testament roots • Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:26 repeat the identical command Peter quotes. • Israel was pulled out of Egypt to become “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6). • The pattern: God redeems first, then calls the redeemed to live differently. Holiness in practice Peter threads practical examples through the chapter. Holiness looks like: • Minds ready for action and hopes fully set on future grace (1:13). • Refusing former ignorant desires (1:14). • Conduct marked by reverent fear of God, not fear of people (1:17). • Sincere brotherly love born out of the new birth (1:22). • Craving pure spiritual milk—ongoing growth in the Word (2:2). Similar New-Testament echoes: • “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). • “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). • “Since we have these promises… let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement… perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Motivations to be holy • God’s own holiness—He never asks what He hasn’t first displayed. • The costly redemption “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • The coming judgment of works by an impartial Father (1:17). • The living hope of an imperishable inheritance (1:3-4). • Future glory: “When He appears, we will be like Him… everyone who has this hope purifies himself” (1 John 3:2-3). Power for holiness • New birth (1 Peter 1:23) creates a new appetite and capacity. • The indwelling Spirit (Galatians 5:16) produces fruit we could never manufacture. • The enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:25) renews the mind and steers the will. • Grace—not grit—“prepares your minds for action” (1:13) and keeps you standing (5:12). Holiness together • “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house… a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). • Personal holiness feeds corporate witness: “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness” (2:9). • Community accountability counters the isolation where sin flourishes (Hebrews 3:13). Looking forward • Holiness now foreshadows the world to come: “what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11-14). • One day every trace of sin will be gone (Revelation 21:27). Our present pursuit lines up our daily lives with that sure future. Be holy—set apart, shining, anchored in God’s own character—because the One who called you is holy, and He has placed His very life within you to make it so. |
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