The Holiness of God - chapter 8: "Be Holy Because I Am Holy"

The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul

“Be Holy, Because I Am Holy” – Chapter Eight

Saints

• A “saint” is not just a super-Christian or someone who has done remarkable acts of Christian service.
• In the Bible, every Christian is called a “saint,” meaning “a holy one.”

Holy, as God Is Holy

• We are called to be “holy.”
• We are not transcendent, above all creation, as God is.
• But we are “consecrated” and “set apart” from the rest of the world.
• We are called to “purity.”

Holy Sinners?

• How can we be called “holy” when we still sin?
• We have been “consecrated” by God. We are his special possession out of the world.
• We are called to a life of non-conformity with the world.

Transformed

• We live non-conformed with the world by being transformed in our thinking and behavior.
• Not just external conduct, but true inward transformation.
• We are living sacrifices – “thank offerings” to God for his grace.

Called to Purity

• We are not only “consecrated,” set apart from the world; we are also called to a life of purity.
• In standing, we are justified by the grace of God on the merits of Christ.
• But our standing must also become experience through sanctification.

Fruit of the Spirit

• True justifying faith is a “living faith,” a faith that works.
• The Holy Spirit produces his fruit in our lives:
• Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Pursuit of Righteousness

• We are called to seek after God’s kingdom and his righteousness.
• Though it is the Spirit’s fruit, the pursuit of righteousness involves our full, diligent effort in learning, prayer, discipline, and active obedience.