During the long journey to the promised land, the Israelites fall into many cracks and pits. The endless weight and pressure of their sin cause them to grow farther and farther away from God’s holiness. They are chained and bound.

The book of Leviticus is a mess. With its gruesome stories of murder, rape and adultery, we see how sin becomes like a weed in the hearts of the Israelites. There are countless times they choose something better over God. But there is purpose behind their pain and sin. God highlights his character of holiness in this book for a reason. The Lord speaks to Moses saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the Lord your God. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you live, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan.” God calls them to a higher standard of living. He lists out hundreds of reasons for living a life of biblical purity and holiness in order to fully understand God. The call to holiness is not just about morals or standing upright, it is about a heart and spirit connection with God.

In the Old Testament, in order to enter into God’s holiness or temple, you had to provide an offering. Birds, grain and other animals were often used as a sacrifice to show reverence to God. In the New Testament, Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we don’t have to set up an altar to receive God’s holiness. Jesus paid the ultimate price so we can have access to God’s holiness! He is the sacrifice for all of us. Holiness is being set apart from the world. To be with God and to know God, we need to reflect his character! We need to create space for his holiness to impact our life. Holiness brings us into a heart connection with God. It aligns our hearts and minds with Jesus. Holiness gives us a KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE! God’s kingdom is set apart for a reason and his kingdom is built on holiness.

Biblical Principle: God is holy. God also calls us to be holy and set apart from the world.

Biblical Challenge: Holiness is not about perfection. How can you desire holiness in your spiritual life? How can you change your perspective to a kingdom perspective?