The call to holiness is a central theme in Christian theology, and the life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example for believers to emulate. Conformity to Christ in holiness is not merely an aspiration but a requirement for those who seek to live a life pleasing to God. This entry explores the biblical basis for this conformity and its implications for Christian living.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides numerous exhortations for believers to follow the example of Christ in holiness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, the apostle Peter writes, "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.'" This passage underscores the divine standard of holiness that believers are called to pursue, reflecting the character of God as revealed in Christ.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes this call to holiness in his letters. In Ephesians 5:1-2, he instructs, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." Here, the sacrificial love of Christ is presented as the model for Christian conduct, highlighting the selflessness and purity that should characterize the believer's life.

The Life of Christ as a Model

Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, exemplified perfect holiness. His life was marked by obedience to the Father, compassion for others, and a steadfast commitment to truth and righteousness. In John 8:29, Jesus declares, "The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him." This statement reflects the complete alignment of Jesus' will with that of the Father, serving as a paradigm for believers who seek to live in conformity to God's will.

The Gospels provide numerous accounts of Jesus' interactions with others, demonstrating His holiness in action. His compassion for the marginalized, His forgiveness of sinners, and His righteous indignation against hypocrisy all illustrate the multifaceted nature of holiness. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus commands, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," calling His followers to a standard of holiness that mirrors the divine nature.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Conformity to Christ in holiness is not achievable through human effort alone. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with the example of Christ. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes reflect the character of Christ and are cultivated in the believer's life through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome sin and grow in holiness. In Romans 8:29, Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This verse highlights the divine purpose for believers to be molded into the likeness of Christ, a process facilitated by the Spirit's sanctifying work.

Practical Implications

Conformity to the example of Christ in holiness has practical implications for daily living. Believers are called to reflect Christ's character in their relationships, work, and community involvement. This involves a commitment to integrity, humility, and love, as well as a rejection of sin and worldly values.

The pursuit of holiness requires intentionality and discipline. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage emphasizes the cooperative nature of sanctification, where believers actively pursue holiness while relying on God's enabling grace.

In summary, the example of Christ sets the standard for holiness that believers are called to emulate. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to living out the teachings of Scripture, Christians are equipped to conform to the image of Christ, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of their lives.1 Peter 1:15,16
But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:6
Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... This, in conformity with the theory in question, should read: "If any man will ... Let
this theory be examined in the light of the spirit and example of Christ. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture iv foundation of moral.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ...
... part of sanctification; for this longing desire after conformity to God's ... 1 John
2:6. "He left us an example that we ... that they scar at that which Christ out of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter v how christ is.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... Virtue, or moral excellence, consists in conformity of will to moral law ... will the
glory of the Father and the salvation of souls, than the example of Christ. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture vi foundation of moral.htm

Obedience to the Moral Law.
... excited emotion, rather than in conformity of the ... the accomplishment of the thing
required to be ... For example, Christ had all the constitutional appetites and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xi obedience to the.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... of duty, and exhibits an entire conformity to the ... the regenerating and sanctifying
power of his Spirit and example. ... from all they had heard and seen of Christ. ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

First Epistle of St John, Ch. Ii. Part of the 1St and 2D Verses.
... no great Matter, whether they imitate his Example, or obey ... our sincere Endeavours
after an universal Conformity to his ... Trust in the Merits of Christ, which we ...
/.../sermon xii first epistle of.htm

Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... every man another's wealth." They are required to copy the example of Jesus Christ. ...
They are required not to conform to the world, because conformity to the ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... large reward the voluntary promptitude which Christ exhibited ... and to prove it by
an important example. ... a destructive sentence against him in conformity with the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... how they ought to love their wives, sets Christ before them as an example. ... and thereby
figures the union which we have with Christ in conformity of nature ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Subject Index
... of sin, [607]19. Conformity to Christ, [608]50. ... Example of Christ, [869]9, [870]35,
[871]35, [872]54, [873]54. ... what He decreed concerning Christ, [1030]249. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

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