Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy – Leviticus 19:2.

The Israelites were to be separated from sin and to cling to the Lord. God’s holiness served as a model for all the congregation. These instructions include today’s professing Christian.

God’s desire for His people then and now is fellowship. Every detailed regulation recorded in Leviticus is a revelation from God through Moses to His people. With these laws, God personally instructed the Israelites how to live before Him.

The name “Book of Leviticus” is derived from the name of the tribe of Levi, from which the Levitical priests were established. The purpose of Leviticus was to instruct the Israelites on how to live in ritual and moral purity, so that God could live among them, and they could approach Him in worship.

“Israelite” means God’s people, not just the ancient Israelites. Some of the instructions that were given to the ancient Israelites also apply to today’s professing Christian. Just as God instructed the Israelites’ camp to be holy, He’s looking for the congregation of every church professing to be believers to be holy; if not, He will not give an invitation.

Many churches are just going through the motions, and the believers are living like nonbelievers. God said, “Be Holy for I Am Holy.” Holiness means to be separated from sin, to no longer commit the sins of our soulish desires. (Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy – 1st Peter 1:16). Christians are followers of Jesus Christ. Believers are better known as saints in the Bible. Christians are mentioned three times in the Bible: Acts 26:28, Acts 11:26, and 1st Peter 4:16. Saints are mentioned ninety-six times; saints aren’t people who have died, but true people of God living their daily lives in holiness.

These holiness instructions were not just for the Jews but for today’s professing Christians (But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God – Romans 3:29). So some of the laws that were in that dispensation can be applied to us today.

God instructed Moses to share the laws with all Israel, including the mixed multitude that left with them from Egypt and those who accompanied them from other countries, as they were journeying to the Promised Land (One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you -Numbers 15:16). Every one was expected to live a holy life before God.

Every aspect of a person’s life is meant to reflect God’s holy standards. Holiness is not putting on a good external show; it’s about fearing and loving God in such a way that He transforms us in our innermost thoughts and feelings.

They were to abide by the instruction for the Sabbath; the Sabbath was an acknowledgement of God’s Lordship over their lives. The Sabbath was for worship, rest, and healing, for building relationships with family. Reflecting God’s holiness starts with how we handle basic relationships. The Sabbath was to spend time with family and a day of rest from labor.

We can’t judge people because they don’t consider Saturday a holy day (Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days – Colossians 2:16). Every day is holy, because it is the day the Lord made. We’re reflecting God’s holiness as we honor and spend time with our family.

The Israelites were to avoid idolatry. When the Israelites turned to idols, they turned their back on God. When they rejected God and His commandments, He would always discipline them by allowing their enemies to take them into captivity. Many God’s people are in captivity with drugs, alcohol, fornication, adultery, rebellious children, mental and emotional disorders, financial problems, and marital problems.

We can’t play with God; He’s holy, and He’s expecting His people to be holy (Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry – Colossians 3:5). God does not change, neither does His Word. Read the Bible, apply the instructions to your life daily.

As we pursue holiness, we often find ourselves at odds with the prevailing cultural values and norms. However, our commitment to live by God’s standards becomes a powerful witness to those around us. Through our words, actions, and lives marked by integrity, love, and compassion, we become beacons of God’s truth in a world desperate for authenticity and genuine transformation (Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven – Matthew 5:16).