1 Peter 1:16. Be ye holy, for I am holy. See also Leviticus 11:44.
These words call our attention to important counsel, and to the important considerations by which it is enforced.
The Counsel.
Be ye holy, as the law of God demands.
That is holiness both in heart and action.
It is holiness in conformity to the image and example of Christ.
In Christ we see perfect love to God as the principle for action.
Perfect conformity of action to the will of God as set before us in His law.
This counsel has all the authority of a divine command.
All of us are bound to desire to be and act according to it.
No measure of spiritual helplessness can absolve from the obligation.
A Gracious Promise.
It is to those who are His people that He addresses it.
It is not in mockery of their unholiness, or to what is unattainable.
He tells them what He would have them to be.
Preached in Dingwall on 8 October 1882, and now edited.
He has predestinated them to be conformed to the image of His Son.
He points them to the fountain for making them holy.
God has come nigh through Christ and His Spirit, who applies all grace.
How the Counsel is Enforced.
Jehovah is holy, morally perfect in the infinity and eternity of His being.
All His moral attributes combine in the beauty of His holiness.
He is the same to all His spiritual Israel to the end.
Conviction, regeneration and sanctification prove this.
Your Triune God is Holy.
He has predestinated all given to the Son to be conformed to His image.
The Father gave His Son, for the fulfilment of His purpose.
The Holy Spirit as Sanctifier is holy.
Application.
This is an effective appeal to those who desire to enjoy the fellowship, and do the will, of God. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.