Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:14

Introduction

A. The words “holiness” and “sanctification” speak of a separation which must always be maintained between common things and those which have been dedicated exclusively to God.

B. If we are to serve God, we must be holy, for He is holy (Leviticus 11:45).

Discussion

I. Under OT law, certain things were to be regarded as holy.

A. The name of God is holy (Leviticus 22:31–33; Psalms 111:9).

B. Places of worship were also to be considered holy (Genesis 28:16–19; Exodus 3:5; 19:23; 25:8–9; 26:33; 29:43–45; 2 Peter 1:18).

C. The appointed times of worship were also holy (Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:8; 12:16).

D. So were all gifts offered to God (Exodus 29:33–34).

E. The Scriptures were holy as well (Daniel 11:30; 2 Timothy 3:15).

F. Even the people were holy (Exodus 19:6; 28:41).

II. Holy things must never be treated as if they were common.

A. God made it clear that the holy and unholy must always be kept separate (Leviticus 10:10; Haggai 2:10–13).

B. Those who profaned holy things are always punished (Daniel 5; 1 Samuel 2; Matthew 21:38; 23:38).

C. We must likewise learn how to handle things that are holy (Acts 10:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Ephesians 5:25–27).

III. To serve a holy God, we must be holy.

A. Sanctification came at a high cost (Ephesians 5:25–26).

B. We mustn’t forget we were sanctified (2 Peter 2:20–21).

C. To be holy, we must keep God’s commandments (Leviticus 20:7–8).

Conclusion

A. The Lord has sanctified us, and we must sanctify Him (1 Peter 3:15).

B. When we set Him up as the most important thing in our lives, it is then that we learn the true meaning of holiness.