1 Peter 1:15-17

Striving To Be Holy, Like God

Christians should try instead to conform to God, who is holy (Hebrews 12:14). The idea is set apart from sinfulness for God's service. This is very similar to the Lord's instruction in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:48). The quote of verse 16 comes from Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 20:7-8; Leviticus 26:1-46. God is holy in that he is separated from sin and all manner of evil (Isaiah 59:1-2). Peter notes that God called them and Paul tells us the call comes through the gospel (1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Thessalonians 2:14).

Peter did not question whether they would call on God as their Father, but gave direction for how they should do that calling. First, they needed to be reminded that God is no respecter of persons but will judge each based upon his deeds (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Galatians 6:7-8). Also, when one calls upon the Father, he should remember he is just a pilgrim in this life. This life should be lived in fear. This is not trembling fear, but the fear Woods describes as the "worshipful awe of obedient children toward their beloved parents" (1 Peter 1:17).