The Holiness of God in Leviticus
Why does God tell us to be holy? What does that even mean in our messy lives today?
Hidden in the pages of Leviticus is a stunning, Christ-centered truth that reaches straight into the heart of the gospel. It’s not about rules, it’s about relationship. If you’ve ever wondered how an ancient book filled with laws applies to New Testament believers, this will open your eyes and stir your heart.
Holiness in Real Life
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “holy”?
Maybe you think of something unreachable, like a glowing angel or an untouchable saint. Or maybe you think of a list of strict religious rules, do this, don’t do that. Holiness can feel distant, overwhelming, or even intimidating. But here’s the surprising truth: God’s call to holiness is actually an invitation to closeness.
In Leviticus 19:2, God tells Moses to speak to the entire community of Israel and say:
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”
— Leviticus 19:2 (NIV)
This command wasn’t just for the ancient Israelites. It’s echoed again in the New Testament, right in 1 Peter 1:16. So what does this mean for believers today? How can we pursue holiness in a world that’s anything but holy?
Let’s walk together through this rich truth hidden in Leviticus and discover how the holiness of God is not only relevant but central to your daily Christian life.
What Is Holiness and Why Does It Matter?
The word “holy” in Hebrew is qadosh, which means “set apart” or “sacred.” When we say God is holy, we are saying that He is completely separate from sin and utterly pure in every way.
But here’s where it gets amazing.
God doesn’t just say, “I am holy.” He says, “Be holy, because I am holy.”
This is more than a rule. It’s a reflection of God’s desire for His people to be like Him. From the very beginning, we were created in His image (Genesis 1:27). Holiness is about reflecting that image not just through our beliefs, but through how we live, love, and worship.
Stop and Reflect:
What would your life look like if holiness wasn’t about perfection but about connection with God?
Leviticus: A Book of Laws or a Story of Love?
Leviticus is often seen as one of the hardest books to read. It’s filled with laws, sacrifices, and practices that can seem outdated or irrelevant. But every detail in Leviticus points to one central truth: God is holy, and He wants to dwell with His people. In fact, Leviticus is all about creating a space where God’s presence can live among sinful people without consuming them. Every command, every sacrifice, every priestly act was designed to show the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s mercy.
Think about this:
Could it be that Leviticus reveals not a distant God but a God who longs to be close, even in our imperfection?
Leviticus 19:2 — The Heart of Holiness
“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”
— Leviticus 19:2
This verse is a turning point. Leviticus 19 is sometimes called “The Holiness Code” because it gives practical examples of what holy living looks like, honoring parents, caring for the poor, dealing honestly, avoiding idolatry, and more. But notice what comes first: God’s character. Before He tells them how to live, He tells them why to live that way, because He is holy. Holiness is not about achieving spiritual greatness. It’s about being set apart to reflect the One who is perfectly good.
Holiness in the New Testament: Christ at the Center
Fast forward to the New Testament, and you’ll find the same call repeated:
“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.’”
— 1 Peter 1:15–16
Here’s the difference: under the old covenant, holiness was maintained through the law and sacrificial system. But under the new covenant, holiness is fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
He didn’t just live a holy life, He gave His holy life as a sacrifice so that we could be made holy.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:21
Here’s the key:
Holiness is no longer about what we do to earn God’s approval.
It’s about who we are because of what Christ has done.
Living a Holy Life Today: What Does That Look Like?
If holiness is more than rule-keeping, how do we live it out practically?
1. Pursue Purity with Passion
Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Holiness begins in the heart. It means saying no to sin, not out of fear but out of love for the One who saved us. It means surrendering our thoughts, our desires, and our habits to Him.
Are there areas of your life where you’ve been tolerating what God calls unholy?
2. Live Set Apart, Not Self-Righteous
Being holy doesn’t mean being arrogant. It means being different because we’ve been changed.
Romans 12:2 reminds us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Living holy means we think differently, love differently, and act differently, not to impress people, but to glorify God.
3. Let the Holy Spirit Lead You
We can’t live holy lives in our own strength. That’s why Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit.
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16
Holiness is the fruit of being led by the Spirit, a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on God’s power within us.
Why Does Holiness Still Matter Today?
In a world that often celebrates sin and mocks righteousness, holiness matters more than ever. Here’s why:
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It reflects God to the world
When we live holy lives, we show people what God is like, pure, loving, just, and full of grace. -
It protects our hearts
Sin always promises life but leads to death. Holiness keeps us in the place of freedom. -
It deepens our intimacy with Christ
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
Obedience is not a burden, it’s a beautiful response to His love.
Internal and External Resources for Further Growth
Explore more on holiness in these related posts:
The Beautiful Call to Holiness
Holiness is not a legalistic burden. It is a beautiful invitation to walk closely with a holy God. It’s a call to reflect His nature, to shine His light in a dark world, and to live in the fullness of His presence.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
— Hebrews 12:14
God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s asking you to be set apart and to belong completely to Him.
So today, as you go about your life, your work, your relationships, your decisions, remember this:
Be holy, because your God is holy. And because of Jesus, holiness is not only possible, it’s your new identity.
Call to Action
Take a quiet moment today to pray this simple prayer:
Lord, You are holy. Thank You for calling me to be holy like You. I surrender every part of my life to You. Help me walk by the Spirit and reflect Your holiness in my words, my choices, and my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Then reflect:
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Are there areas of compromise you need to surrender to God?
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What would change if you truly believed you were set apart for Him?
Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today and let’s walk this holy journey together.
