Q: Why does God call His people to pursue holiness?

When Scripture calls us to pursue holiness, it is not inviting us into moral perfectionism or self-righteous effort.
Holiness is not about building a polished reputation or earning God’s approval. Instead, the call to holiness is a call to reflect the character of the God who saved us.

At the heart of this question lies the reality that God’s people belong to Him, and because they belong to Him, they are being shaped into His likeness. Here is how Scripture helps us understand this essential calling.

God calls His people to holiness because He is holy

First, God calls us to holiness because He is holy. First Peter 1:15–16 says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness begins with God Himself, His purity, His goodness, His righteousness, His moral perfection. To belong to Him is to be formed by Him. Just as children naturally resemble their parents, God’s children grow to reflect His nature.

Holiness is the fruit of salvation, not the root

Second, holiness is the fruit of salvation, not the root. We do not pursue holiness to become God’s people, we pursue holiness because we are God’s people. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are saved for good works, not by them.
Holiness becomes the evidence of a transformed heart. Where there is no desire for holiness, there is reason to question whether grace has taken root.

Holiness protects us from sin’s destruction

Third, holiness protects us from sin’s destruction. Sin always destroys, slowly, quietly, and deeply. God’s commands are never burdens; they are safeguards meant to protect us. Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s Word is a lamp for our feet. It keeps us from stumbling into the traps of sin and self-deception.

Holiness strengthens our witness to the world

Fourth, holiness strengthens our witness to the world. Jesus says believers are the light of the world in Matthew 5:14–16. Holiness is not about calling attention to ourselves. It is about making Christ visible through our lives.
A holy life shines in the darkness. It shows the world that God truly changes hearts and makes sinners new.

Holiness brings joy and freedom

Fifth, holiness brings joy and freedom. The world promises joy through self-indulgence, compromise, and self-expression, but Scripture teaches the opposite. Psalm 16:11 declares that fullness of joy is found in God’s presence.
True joy is found not in sin but in walking closely with Him. Holiness is not a burden, it is a blessing.

A call to walk with God

Friend, God calls you to holiness because He calls you to Himself. Holiness is life with God.
Holiness is likeness to Christ. Holiness is freedom from sin’s chains. Holiness is joy rooted in obedience.

And by His Spirit, the God who calls you to holiness also empowers you to pursue it, one step of grace at a time.

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