But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV)
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48 NIV)
One Bible study I’m currently in is working its way through Ephesians, the other through the Sermon on the Mount. Both Bible passages are rich in meaning, theology, and invitation to become more like Jesus. But both can also be difficult in the high standards they set for Christian life. Living lives of holiness and perfection is challenging.
I heard the above verses as a young person, and all I heard was judgment and condemnation. I knew myself well enough to realize there was no way I could be “holy” or “perfect.” I understood that God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is holy and perfect, and I am not. In this area of my life, I felt stuck. There was no hope. I couldn’t see any way to bridge the gap.
Until grace.
For me, that grace came through a deeper understanding of these two words.
In a world where “perfect” means never doing anything wrong—absolute moral perfection—I am sunk. In a world where “holy” means completely without sin, I am sunk. But when I began to look more deeply at the roots and spiritual meaning of these words, I found hope.
“Perfect” comes from the Hebrew word tamim, meaning wholeness, wholehearted devotion to the one true God, and purity of heart. The Greek word teleios means complete, mature, fully developed—living out one’s intended purpose. In this sense, perfection is about being made whole in our devotion to God—growing into spiritual maturity and aligning our lives with His purpose.
“Holy” means to be set apart—to be different so that we can host God’s presence and reflect His nature. In Leviticus, God repeatedly calls His people to consecrate or set themselves apart as holy because He is holy. Nothing unholy can stand in the presence of holiness. And yet, this Creator God, the Lord of the universe, desires for us to be with Him.
So He made a way.
Through Jesus, we are made holy in God’s sight.
Through Jesus, we are brought to maturity and completeness.
Through Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension—we are given the grace to draw near to God.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift of grace.
AMEN.