The call to purity and holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the distinctiveness and sanctity that God desires for His people. This call is rooted in the very nature of God, who is holy, and it is reflected in His command for His followers to be holy as well.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of holiness is introduced early in the Scriptures. In Leviticus 11:44-45 , God commands the Israelites, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God; therefore you shall be holy, because I am holy." Here, holiness is linked to God's identity and His redemptive act of bringing Israel out of Egypt.

The call to purity is also evident in the moral and ceremonial laws given to Israel. These laws were designed to set the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations and to reflect God's holiness in their conduct. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a moral foundation, while various purity laws (Leviticus 11-15) address ceremonial cleanliness, underscoring the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the call to purity and holiness is reaffirmed and expanded through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the internal nature of purity, teaching that it is not merely external adherence to the law but a matter of the heart. In Matthew 5:8 , He declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

The apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme, urging believers to live lives that reflect their new identity in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7 , Paul writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." This call is not only a personal mandate but also a communal one, as the church is to be a holy and blameless bride for Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The pursuit of purity and holiness is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and enables them to live according to God's standards. In Galatians 5:16-17 , Paul instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." The Spirit's work in the believer's life produces the fruit of holiness, transforming them into the image of Christ.

Practical Implications

The call to purity and holiness has practical implications for every aspect of a believer's life. It involves a commitment to moral integrity, sexual purity, and ethical conduct. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , Peter exhorts, "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.'"

Believers are also called to separate themselves from worldly influences that compromise their purity. In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 , Paul quotes the Old Testament, saying, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Conclusion

The call to purity and holiness is a divine mandate that reflects God's character and His desire for His people to be set apart for His purposes. It is a call that encompasses both the inner transformation of the heart and the outward expression of a life that honors God. Through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to pursue this high calling, living as witnesses to the holiness of God in a world that often opposes His standards.