5 Ways to Be Holy According to the Bible

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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 1:13-16

My mom tells the story of when I was a toddler (in the 1970s), and I refused to stay in my car seat. Remember that car seats back then were more like kitchen chairs without legs, designed with metal bars (metal!) and flimsy buckles that weren’t the least bit safe. But still, I thought it was funny to unbuckle myself and climb around in the backseat.

It’s human nature to rebel at every turn, to disregard restraints that keep us safe. Even in our walk with God, we often want to go in the opposite direction of His leading. Yet, to be holy, according to the Bible, we are encouraged to be obedient children, not conforming to our evil desires. As God is holy, we are called to be holy, and it’s for our good.

Just as a son wants to be like his daddy, following him closely and doing what he does, it is in our relationship with Abba Father. We pattern our lives after His holy example and try to live as He directs. We want to be more like Him; obedience is required at every turn.

In John 14:23, Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” 

Our obedience is an act of love for God. We want to obey Him to be in alignment with our Maker.

A Prayer for Obedience: Lord, help me listen to You and follow Your direction. Your way is always good, leading to holiness. I commit my way to You, in Jesus’ name.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Ben White

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17

I’m not always good at following step-by-step instructions. Impatience usually causes me to skip specific steps and rush to the result. However, I know every step in the Bible counts regarding holiness. The Scriptures were given to us as a training manual - a living and active guidebook for life.

The pattern for holiness is woven throughout the Scriptures like a beautiful tapestry of purity and virtue. Every instruction is for our ultimate good. God has set the bar of holiness at the highest possible point—Christ Jesus. Our job is to surrender our will to Him and hold fast to the holy Scriptures, which can make us wise for salvation.

A Prayer for Scriptural Holiness: Lord, please lead me through Your word with wisdom, insight, and understanding. Help me learn holiness through the Scriptures and adhere to them, in Jesus’ name.

Photo Credit: Joel Muniz/Unsplash

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Is it easy to repent and admit your sins to the God who loves you? Though it might have a negative connotation to some, repentance is beautiful. Daily, we are invited into God's throne room, behind the veil, and into the Holy of Holies. God’s limitless mercy and grace meet each sincere confession, and holiness covers every repentant heart.

Without sincere repentance, pride can build walls of resistance to all that good. This leaves room for the enemy to gain a foothold, whispering, “Did God really say?”

Keep in mind that the adversary is the king of false guilt. His accusations are not the same as the Holy Spirit’s conviction, which is always without condemnation. The nudge of the Spirit is a wake-up call to sin without leaving you feeling worthless or condemned.

Step into Biblical holiness through sincere repentance and the cleansing power of Christ to purify you from all unrighteousness. Go to the throne of grace as often as needed and receive true forgiveness.

A Prayer of Repentance: Lord, thank You for the open invitation to come to You daily in repentance. I receive Your limitless grace and mercy and stand forgiven in Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, which was the light of all humankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

John 1:1-5

Holiness begins with God. For all eternity, He has existed and lived without sin or flaw. When we consider the magnitude of who He is and what He has done, holiness floods our souls with awe and wonder.

Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world. This wasn’t because they had remarkable abilities but because His light-filled them. As John said, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”

To be holy is to be considerate of your Maker, to give honor, glory, and praise to the Creator of the universe who made you in His image. Holiness precedes you through the light and life of Christ Jesus. 

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

A Prayer of Consideration: Lord, help me step into holiness with awe and wonder of who You are. Could you remind me that I am created in Your image and filled with Your light? In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/coffeekai

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

The tenth chapter of Matthew contains serious instructions from Jesus to His disciples. Throughout the passage, He warns them to be on guard as they heal the sick, drive out demons, and spread the kingdom's message.

They were commissioned to “go into all the world” but still be set apart according to God’s holy standard. This is, perhaps, the key to holiness. Here are some ways to be in the world but not be part of it:

• Set healthy boundaries - lines you will not cross.
  Boldly stand on the word of God with love and grace.
  Point people to the Father through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
  Don’t get entangled in the world’s affairs; set your mind on things above
  
  

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” As God’s special possession, let His holiness flow through you into a lost and dying world.

Remember, it’s not about self-righteousness but Christlikeness. Though we are imperfect people, we serve a perfect and holy God. He works in us for His glory and the good of mankind.

A Prayer to Be Set Apart: Lord, please help me shine the light of Your glory in this dark world. Protect me from the pull of deception and lead me in Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/francescoch