Called to Holiness, Redeemed by the Cross
Morning: Leviticus 18-19
Evening: Matthew 27:32-66
Leviticus 18-19 lays out God’s call for His people to live in holiness, separate from the sinful practices of the surrounding nations. Over and over, God declares, “I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 18:2, 19:4), reminding Israel that their identity is found in Him. Their actions were to reflect His holiness, not the world’s corruption.
In Matthew 27:32-66, we see the cost of holiness paid in full—Jesus, the sinless Son of God, crucified for the sins of the world. While Israel failed to live up to God’s holy standard, Jesus fulfilled it perfectly, yet He bore the punishment that we deserved. The weight of our sins was placed upon Him, and in His suffering, He secured our redemption.
God calls us to holiness, but He also knows our failures. That is why the cross matters so much. Jesus’ sacrifice bridges the gap between our sinfulness and God’s holiness. Because of His death and resurrection, we can pursue holiness not by our strength, but through His grace. Holiness is not about striving to be “good enough,” but about surrendering to the One who is good and allowing Him to transform us.
Key Insights
- God Calls Us to Holiness – Leviticus 19:2 says, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” This call is still relevant today, as believers are set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Jesus Took Our Place on the Cross – The punishment for sin was death, but Jesus, though sinless, took our place so that we might be made right with God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- The World’s Ways Lead to Death, but God’s Way Leads to Life – The sinful practices condemned in Leviticus show how the world distorts what God designed for good. In contrast, Jesus’ sacrifice restores us to true life (John 10:10).
- The Veil Was Torn—Access to God Is Open – When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), signifying that we no longer need priests or sacrifices to approach God. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16).
- Holiness is Not About Legalism, but About Love – Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Jesus reaffirmed this as one of the greatest commandments (Mark 12:30-31). True holiness is demonstrated in how we love God and others.
Connection to Other Scripture
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
- Mark 12:30-31 – “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Questions to Reflect On
- Am I pursuing holiness in my daily life, or have I allowed the world’s influences to shape me?
- Do I recognize that my holiness comes from Christ’s work on the cross, not my own efforts?
- How does the torn veil of the temple impact my relationship with God today?
- In what ways can I reflect God’s holiness in my love for others?
- Am I living in the freedom Jesus secured for me, or am I still carrying the weight of sin He has already paid for?
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to holiness and for providing the way through Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I cannot live a holy life on my own, but through His sacrifice, I am made new. Help me to walk in the freedom of His grace, loving You with all my heart and loving others as You have commanded. Thank You for tearing the veil and inviting me into Your presence. Transform me daily to reflect Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.