He Chose Us to be Holy

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,” (2 Peter 1:2-8 ESV)

God is calling to Himself a holy people. Those whom He chooses receive His very great and precious promises. Election is the only way by which we escape the corruption of this world. God’s glory is displayed by enabling those whom He calls to live a life of holiness. The chosen are called to live a virtuous life. God has decreed that without holiness no man shall see God. The elect of God are chosen to be holy. God does not choose a man because he is holy. Holiness is the result of being chosen by God. God’s only motive in election is His own glory and excellence. There is nothing in us – left to ourselves – that merits our salvation. “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10-18 ESV)

The Scriptures above teach us that God chooses some by grace to everlasting life in spite of the fact that no one deserves His mercy. All whom God chooses will be saved through Jesus Christ and made holy through the ongoing training of the Holy Spirit. In light of His great mercy, the Christian should make every effort to supplement his faith with virtue, “and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,” (2 Peter 1:2-8 ESV)

Over and over, in the scriptures, Christians are exhorted to strive for growth in holiness. This is easily observed:

• As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV)
• Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
• For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45 ESV)

The holy life of a Christian, touches the lives of others much more than we may know. Holiness is both exciting and inspirational. Nothing less than holiness will satisfy the nature of God. Therefore, the Christian life is one of progressive sanctification. The chosen are set free to become more like the Redeemer. It is God’s will that His children are to be like Him.