First Epistle of Peter
HE IS HOLY, BE YE HOLY
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)
Here the apostle introduces us to the subject of holiness. There are few teachings in the Scripture over which there has been more controversy and misunderstanding. A young Christian preacher once remarked, "I wish holiness was not mentioned in the Bible." Though we can understand his feelings, still, it is a most necessary part of the Scripture. Many preachers (and Bible teachers) actually avoid this subject because in some circles it is over-emphasized. And because there is much understanding of its meaning, they do not want to risk being called a holiness preacher, teacher or believer. But, let us always remember that all the Word of God is profitable and necessary, and to neglect any part of it means we suffer loss; but of course a proper understanding is necessary.
Holiness or sanctification (the same words in the original) are not what they are sometimes called. They do not infer "sinless perfection", or "eradication of the old nature", or "a second blessing" or "cleansing from inbred sin." Some have tried to make the words carry these meanings, which leads to one of two things, arrogance or despair. Some have professed to have these things and have arrogantly boasted of their superior attainments. One such man, a most astounding man, stated that he had not sinned for four years. That’s better than even Paul or Peter. Even Paul said he had not yet attained, and on one occasion had to withstand Peter to his face.
Some have sought for this "second blessing" and "sinless perfection", only to end up in despair. While others who thought they had it, likewise gave up because they found out that sin was still in their thoughts and actions. The result in some cases has been disastrous. Some have given up their faith all together. Some have been broken in health and a few have even lost their minds.
What then is "holiness?" One need only turn to Young's or Strong's Concordance to find the literal meaning of the words translated "holiness" or "sanctification." They invariably are words meaning "set apart" to something, or "set apart" for something. This unlocks the meaning of every verse in Holy Scripture concerning holiness or sanctification. To give just a few examples; inert things are sanctified (See Ex. 40:10 and 11, where the altar is sanctified or set apart for the service of the tabernacle). God sanctified Christ, or set Him apart for the work of redeeming sinners (John 10:36). He surely did not need a second blessing, or the eradication of the old nature. Even unbelievers are sometime sanctified (notice 1 Cor. 7:14). Because of relationship to believers, they are set apart in a special place of privilege. In 1 Peter 3:15, we have, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." This can be understood by "setting apart the Lord God in your hearts."
"But as he which hath called you is holy"
Here is first mentioned that the Lord is holy, and as such He is to be our pattern. In what sense is God set apart? He is perfectly set apart from sin. In His case holiness is absolute and perfect. Sin has absolutely no hold on Him, never did and never will. This is also true of Christ. Before His birth to Mary, it is said of Him: "therefore also that holy thing (one) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35; see also Acts 4:27 and 30). With Him too, the separation from sin was complete. This is also true of the Spirit. Scores of times He is called the Holy Ghost or Spirit. Perfect holiness is the nature and character of God.
"so be ye holy in all manner of conversation"
Holiness is also His desire for His redeemed ones. It will not be fully realized until we are at home with Him in heaven. While on earth our sanctification is progressive, but in eternity we will be completely separated from sin, and made fit companions for His Holy Son.
First of all we are sanctified by the Spirit. This we treated in connection with verse two of chapter one. We are set apart for salvation by the Spirit.
Then we read in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ is our sanctification. We are set apart for God in Christ. Various other Scriptures testify to this same truth. "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Heb. 10:10). In this respect all true believers are holy in Christ.
A truly holy life will be more than just refraining from sin. It will be a positive life of usefulness to the Lord, to the Christians and even to the world. It will be composed of many little things, not necessarily the doing of big things. It is little words of kindness and little deeds of love that make up a life truly set apart for God. One might give a thousand dollars to some worthy cause and yet be crabby and mean around the house or office. Little sins, little follies, little sarcasms, little digs, little spites, little bits of uncleanlyness are the "little foxes that spoil the vines" of a holy life (Song of Solomon 2:15). "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly, him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor" (Eccl. 10:1).
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)
In verses 10 and 12 of this chapter, Peter affirms his faith in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament Scriptures); but here in verse 16, is the first direct quotation from it. While on earth, the Lord Jesus often used the same expression, "It is written" and when He did, it was as if to say, "that settles it." He had utter confidence that the Old Testament was the Word of God. There is power in quoting the Scriptures this way. It is the way Christ overcame the temptations of Satan. It is the way to overcome all antagonism against you or the Lord. There truly is power in the Word of God.
This quotation is from the book of Leviticus. In fact we find it there in three different places: (Chapter 11:44 and 45; 19:2; and 20:26). In Chapter 11 it is in connection with eating unclean things, especially creeping things. This teaches us that we are to separate ourselves from any unclean or low earthly sin. In chapter 19, it is given in connection with keeping the Sabbath, refraining from idolatry, the offering of the peace offering, etc. This teaches us that our lives should be set apart unto the Lord. In chapter 20, it is quoted in connection with spiritism and wizardly, teaching us that we should be set apart from anything connected with false cults, which are inspired by Satan. In other words, we are to be holy in all manner of behavior.
