An Authentic Calling: Representing Christ and His Kingdom through the Church

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An Authent i c Ca l l i ng: Represent i ng Chr i s t and Hi s Ki ngdom through the Chur ch

to God, is often presented in a way which involves Divine demands upon the conduct of believers. These are called hagioi , “saints,” i.e., “sanctified” or “holy” ones. This sainthood is not an attainment, it is a state into which God in grace calls men; yet believers are called to sanctify themselves (consistent with their calling, 2 Tim. 1.9), cleansing themselves from all defilement, forsaking sin, living a “holy” manner of life, 1 Pet. 1.15; 2 Pet. 3.11, and experiencing fellowship with God in his holiness. The saints are thus figuratively spoken of as “a holy temple,” 1 Cor. 3.17 (a local church); Eph. 2.21 (the whole Church), cp. Eph. 5.27; “a holy priesthood,” 1 Pet. 2.5; “a holy nation,” 1 Pet. 2.9. “It is evident that hagios and its kindred words . . . express some thing more and higher than hieros , sacred, outwardly associated with God; . . . something more than semnos , worthy, honorable; something more than hagnos , pure, free from defilement. Hagios is . . . more comprehensive. . . . It is characteristically godlikeness.”

~ G.B. Stevens, in Hastings’ Bib. Dic . Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, Old Testament wordsearch software edition

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B. Principles for the people of God today

1. God reveals his person as holy and set apart, 1 Pet. 1.14-19 (ESV) – As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” [17] And if you call on him as Father who judges impar tially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, [18] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

a. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is a holy God.

b. God’s purpose is to reestablish his holiness in his universe.