The highest calling in the Bible is a lofty achievement set before every Christian as they strive to live a life dedicated to God. It is a call to holiness and purity, to have a faith that is deep, true and devoted.
The call to divine perfection and holiness is found all throughout scripture, from the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation. Most notably, Jesus himself lived a perfect and blameless life, dedicated to fulfilling his mission of saving us from our sins through his death and resurrection. It is through the example of Jesus’ life that believers are called to follow his example and seek after the same kind of righteousness and holiness that he embodied.
The Bible makes it clear that personal holiness and holiness within the church are of utmost importance. In Matthew 5, Jesus teaches the “beatitudes” or blessings, which include the commands to love God with all your heart, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Paul also instructs us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 to “flee from sexual immorality and pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
At the same time, holiness within the church is just as important and calls believers to seek a closer relationship with one another and with God. In 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Paul calls for believers to be “set apart from the wickedness in the world,” and to “perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.” This call is echoed in Jude 1:20-21 which commands believers to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”
The highest calling in the Bible is not just a call to holiness within the church, but is a call to do good deeds and to love and serve those around us. It is a call to selfless acts of charity, justice and righteousness. In Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of the “sheep and the goats,” and instructs us to “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide shelter for the homeless.” It is through these acts of kindness that we can find our ultimate fulfillment as Christians, and help bring about the kingdom of God.
Ultimately, the highest calling in the Bible is not about what we do, but how we do it. It is a call to love God with all of our hearts and to love and serve others as Jesus did. It is a call to holiness and righteousness, and to make a difference in the world by being examples of God’s love and grace.
What is Holiness?
Holiness is a state of purity and moral perfection, free from all impurities and corruption. To be holy is to abide by the teachings of scripture, following the commands of God, living a life of serenity and purity, and striving for righteousness and justice.
Throughout scripture, God often calls us to be Holy and obedient to His commands. In Leviticus 11:44-45, God commands us to “be holy,” as He is holy. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told that God “has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
When it comes to holiness, it is important to remember that it is not something that we can achieve by ourselves. It is a journey. As we strive for holiness, it is important to remember to seek guidance from God and from scripture. When we seek out God’s will, we will be able to remain steadfast and find comfort in His promises.
It is also important to recognize that holiness is not about perfection. It is about living a life that is pleasing to God, and being obedient to His commands. It is about loving one another as we love ourselves, and being examples of His love and grace. It is about striving for justice, and being instruments of the good in the world.
What is a Life of Holiness?
A life dedicated to holiness involves living a life of purity and obedience to God’s commands. It is a life of prayer and worship, of spending time in God’s word and in fellowship with other believers. It is a life of growing in faith and obedience, of service and dedication to God and others.
A life of holiness involves living with purpose and intention, of striving toward righteousness and justice. There are many ways to live a holy life, from praying and spending time in God’s word, to serving in the church and the community. It is about being an example of God’s love in all aspects of life.
Living a life of holiness can be difficult at times, and it can be easy to get caught up in the distractions of our world. But when we seek His will and cling to the promises in Scripture, we will be able to stay strong and remain steadfast. A life of holiness comes with great rewards, bringing us closer to God and allowing us to bring more of His love and light into the world.
What is the Role of Prayer in Holiness?
The role of prayer in a life of holiness is one of the most important pieces to the puzzle. Prayer gives us the opportunity to talk to God, to express our thoughts and feelings, and to seek His guidance. It is through prayer that we can be formed into the image of Christ and deepen our relationship with God.
The Bible gives us several examples of prayers that we can use to help us in our quest for holiness. In the book of Psalms, there are many prayers that can help us find comfort in difficult times. In Isaiah 40, we see the pleas of God’s people, asking for strength and guidance in their quest for holiness. In Matthew, Jesus models a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude. Each of these examples can provide us with the hope, courage and guidance that we need to take the next steps toward holiness.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us in our quest for holiness. As we seek out God’s will and rely on His promises, He can use prayer to bring us closer to Him and to help us in our endeavor to become more like Him.
What is the Role of Fellowship in Holiness?
In addition to prayer, fellowship with other believers is an essential part of pursuing holiness in the Bible. The Bible is clear that believers are to do life together, to seek out counsel and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). It is through fellowship with other believers that we can come to better understand and invest in one another, and find comfort and encouragement as we journey together.
Fellowship enables us to have accountability, to challenge one another in our pursuit of holiness, and to spur one another on toward good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). It is a critical aspect of growing as believers and deepening our relationship with God. When we seek out fellowship with one another, we find strength and comfort, and are able to journey together as we become more and more like Christ.
Fellowship is essential for believers seeking holiness – it is a reminder of God’s presence and provision, of His love and grace. In our pursuit of holiness, it is critical to remember to seek out fellowship with other believers, to thereby grow closer to God and continue to strive for righteousness and justice.
What is the Role of Service in Holiness?
Service is an integral part of holiness, a key piece to living a blameless life and fully embracing the commands of God. From the earliest days of Christianity, when Jesus himself “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45), service has been at the core of the Christian life.
Service is a tangible way to embody God’s love and grace in the world. When we serve those around us, we are actively living out the Good News of Jesus Christ and strengthening our relationship with God. Paul reminds us of this in 1 Timothy 6:18 – “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”
Service is an act of faith and obedience, of loving our neighbor as ourselves. It will look different for each person – some may find joy in one-on-one ministry and individual acts of service, while others may find their calling in serving on mission trips or with local charities. No matter the context, service is an essential part of holiness, and will grow our faith and drive us to seek out the kingdom of God.
