We are called to be holy because God is holy. Duncan Campbell, the famous revivalist, said:

“A God-sent Revival must ever be related to holiness”

That is without a return to holiness there cannot be a God-sent revival.

So what is holiness and how can I be holy like God?

1. Holiness in Hebrew

Holiness in Hebrew literally means “separate, different”. So holiness is separating yourself to God and separating yourself from sin and the world. It’s a radical commitment to be different, to be like God, in our lifestyles.

2. Holiness is vital to know God

Holiness is essential to see God and abide with God (Heb12:14, Ps 24:3-4) because God is holy.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god”

3. Holiness is not a list of laws

In the Bible separation is more important and fundamental than specific moral laws. So it’s foundational for a believer.So holiness is not a list of rules that I need to obey. It’s is not a matter of trying harder to experience. It’s not a work.

4. Holiness is a question of identity

Instead holiness is my identity as a “saint”. I am a new creature. I am like this because my Heavenly Father is like this (1 Pet 1:16, 2:9)

5. How to be holy

How is holiness possible? Because of grace (2 Cor 12:9). Grace is unlimited for the children of God. So just as a good father always helps his children, so our Heavenly Father gives us grace to be holy like Him through the Holy Spirit, by faith.We must depend on Him and look to Him for holiness.

So let’s prioritise holiness in our lives and be holy like our Heavenly Father is holy.