In the face of God’s holiness, we, as people, have always been confronted with the reminder that we’re not holy – we’ve been tainted by sin (Exodus 33:18-20; 2 Samuel 6:6-8). Yet, the God who is holy was gracious enough to send His Son – who is holy! – into human history to bridge the gap between unholy people and the holy God. Our holy Savior paid our sin penalty by dying a criminal’s death so that we could share in His holiness, having been made right by His blood.

Understanding this helps us to better grasp these verses that we read. We are called to follow God’s example of holiness intentionally in the ways that we live, seeking to be totally blameless, though we are foreigners in this sinful world. In living this way, we please the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

How should the weight of holiness affect our behavior? Words? Choices? Desires?