Which New Testament passages echo the call to holiness found in Exodus 22:30? Setting the Old Testament Foundation Exodus 22:30 lays down the principle: “You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.” The Lord’s requirement is clear—belong exclusively to Him and stay clear of what defiles. Jesus’ Own Summons to Holiness • Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” • John 17:17–19 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth… for them I sanctify Myself, so that they too may be sanctified in truth.” Paul’s Echoes of the Exodus Charge • Romans 12:1–2 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God… Do not be conformed to this world.” • 1 Corinthians 3:17 – “For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” • 2 Corinthians 6:17–7:1 – “Come out from among them and be separate… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Ephesians 1:4 – “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.” • Ephesians 5:25–27 – Christ gave Himself “to sanctify her… that she might be holy and blameless.” • Colossians 1:22 – “He has now reconciled you… to present you holy, without blemish.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7 – “This is the will of God—your sanctification… God has called us to holiness, not impurity.” • 2 Timothy 1:9 – “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling.” • Titus 2:11–14 – Grace trains us “to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives… a people… zealous for good deeds.” Peter’s Direct Citation of the Holiness Mandate • 1 Peter 1:14–16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.” • 1 Peter 2:9 – “You are a chosen people… a holy nation.” • 2 Peter 3:11 – “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” The Writer to Hebrews and the Pursuit of Holiness • Hebrews 12:10 – God disciplines “so that we may share in His holiness.” • Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” John’s Call to Purity as God’s Children • 1 John 3:2–3 – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” • Revelation 22:11 – “Let the holy continue to be holy.” Summing Up the New Testament Resonance From Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to John’s final visions, the New Testament repeatedly reaffirms Exodus 22:30’s heartbeat: God’s people are set apart for Him, steering clear of all that corrupts, and living in a purity that mirrors His own. Holiness is not an Old-Testament relic—it is the continuing call for every follower of Christ. |
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