What other scriptures emphasize the importance of holiness in a believer's life? The Golden Plate: HOLY TO THE LORD “You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.” (Exodus 28:36) That tiny plate on the high priest’s turban broadcast a constant reminder: every approach to God must be marked by holiness. Scripture keeps echoing that truth from Genesis to Revelation. Old Testament Echoes of Holiness • Leviticus 11:44 – “For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, because I am holy.” • Leviticus 19:2 – “Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” • Leviticus 20:7–8 – “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep My statutes and practice them. I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” • Psalm 96:9 – “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.” • Isaiah 35:8 – “And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it; only those who walk in that Way—and fools will not stray onto it.” • Zechariah 14:20 – “On that day ‘HOLY TO THE LORD’ will be inscribed on the bells of the horses,” showing holiness spreading beyond the temple to all of life. New Testament Calls to a Holy Life • Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” • Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—your spiritual service of worship.” • 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 – “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? … God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Ephesians 1:4 – “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4, 7 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must learn to control his own body in holiness and honor… For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” • 2 Timothy 1:9 – “He has saved us and called us to a holy calling.” • Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” • 1 Peter 1:15–16 – “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 John 3:3 – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” Why Holiness Still Matters • God’s character has not changed; His holiness remains the standard. • Christ’s sacrifice not only forgives but also empowers believers to live set-apart lives. • The Spirit dwells in each believer, turning hearts into living “HOLY TO THE LORD” plaques. • Holiness is evidence of genuine faith and a prerequisite for clear fellowship with God. Daily Steps Toward Holiness • Stay in the Word—truth renews the mind (John 17:17). • Confess sin quickly—keeping accounts short maintains closeness (1 John 1:9). • Seek the Spirit’s filling—He produces the fruit that reflects God’s character (Galatians 5:22-23). • Choose godly influences—companions shape conduct (Proverbs 13:20). • Remember the goal—“HOLY TO THE LORD” is more than a motto; it’s the believer’s new identity in Christ. |
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