1 Peter 1:16
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: "Be holy, for I am holy."
Holiness is a process. We gain a little bit more of it each day that we are obedient to The Holy Word of God.
It is this process which is implemented in us when we receive The Holy Spirit of God, Who is instrumental in making us holy.
Why is holiness necessary? It is consecrating ourselves for God's purpose, choosing to be God's people in a world where doing so can kill us. Idolatry and self-righteousness abound in our world today. Even now someone is plotting how to rid the world of real Christians and real Christianity.
We have been set free from the bonds of sin and are living examples of God's Mercy; reflections of Christ's Love. Therefore, we are already in the process of becoming holy. Though some may not go through the process because they are at death's door when they receive Him, their level of holiness is implied when they believe and receive Jesus into their hearts.
Holiness is Consecration
Leviticus 11:44-45
"For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground.
For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy."
Leviticus 20:7
"Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am The LORD your God."
Holiness is a Way.
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 The Way--and fools will not stray onto it."
Consecration is making a choice, a decision, to be different by being obedient to God's Word. Sanctification is the process that follows consecration. It is The Way of Holiness.
Why do we want to be holy people of God? We want to see God and live.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Matthew 5:8 tells us to be pure in heart, for then we shall see God.
Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.
This is what we have been studying for the last year and a half. What it means to be born again. How to live a born again life. This crucified life. Answering God's call to service and faithful obedience to Him in His Word.
When sin in a person sees the holiness of God, it cries out and is immediately subdued by the power of God. Isaiah said "Woe is Me!" (Isaiah 6:5). Gideon was stunned to find that he was in God's presence (Judges 6:22). Moses wanted to see God's glory but {without holiness} no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:18,20,23).
Only One has ever seen God face to face and lived to tell about it:
John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, Who is Himself God and is at the Father's side, has made Him known.
1 Timothy 6:16
He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
I want to be holy. Because God wants me to be holy. That I may see Him and live. Live eternally with Him. Don't you?
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (also includes the history of the song) - Luke Powell
Refiner's Fire - Vineyard Worship
Take My Life - Micah Stampley
Refiner - Maverick City Music
Holy Spirit - Jesus Culture/Kim Walker-Smith
Living For Jesus A Life That Is True - Marlie Gardyne
Psalm 69:32
The humble will see and rejoice. You who seek God, let your hearts be revived!
