Scripture
7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Reflection
The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary defines impurity or uncleanness as follows: that which is a threat to or opposes holiness, and hence must be kept separate from that sphere. When we look at the term holiness especially related to God’s unique holiness as separation we see in passages such as Exod. 15:11; 1 Sam. 2:2; and Rev. 15:4, God alone is majestic and holy and nothing unholy can be in God’s presence i.e. sin. We also know from the Scriptures that which God separates to himself become holy too or get that status i.e. the holy place in the tabernacle and God’s chosen people (Israel in the OT) and the all who believe in Jesus in the NT.
Thus, circling back to today’s verse, God called us to be set apart (by his undertaking – not our own) to live a holy life. This process of living a holy life is often referred to as sanctification in the Bible. May we, who believe in Jesus, know we have been set apart to be holy for God’s glory, and continue to seek with the help of the Holy Spirit to surrender our impure lives to Jesus so that we too can live a holy life, which in turn points to Jesus.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Take time to pray Psalm 96. Allow it to shape prayers of thanksgiving as you are reminded of who God is.
