Leviticus 20:8 – “Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 20:8 is a command from God that calls His people to obey His laws and live according to His ways. The phrase “keep my decrees” emphasizes the importance of not just knowing God’s commands but actively following them. God’s instructions are not optional; they are meant to guide His people in living a life that honors Him. The second part of the verse, “I am the Lord, who makes you holy,” highlights that holiness is not something we achieve on our own. It’s God who sets us apart and sanctifies us. By obeying His decrees, the Israelites were participating in the process of becoming the people God had called them to be—holy, distinct, and dedicated to Him.
Historical Context
In the historical context of Leviticus, God had just delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and was establishing them as His chosen people. They were surrounded by nations that followed different gods and engaged in immoral practices. God gave the Israelites His laws to set them apart from these nations, teaching them how to live in a way that reflected His character. Obedience to God’s laws was not merely about rule-following; it was about maintaining their unique identity as God’s people. By keeping His decrees, they would stand out among the nations and demonstrate the power and holiness of their God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 20:8 teaches that holiness comes from God, not from human effort alone. While God commands His people to obey, He also provides the means for them to be holy through His presence and power. This verse highlights the relationship between God’s commands and His work in our lives. God doesn’t just give laws; He also enables His people to live them out. This partnership between divine command and divine empowerment is key to understanding the nature of holiness. It’s a process that involves our obedience but relies on God’s sanctifying work.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 20:8 is structured as a straightforward command followed by a profound statement about God’s role in making His people holy. The command, “Keep my decrees and follow them,” is direct and clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. It’s an active call to action, emphasizing the importance of obedience. The latter part of the verse, “I am the Lord, who makes you holy,” serves as both a promise and a reminder of God’s role in the process. The structure of the verse connects the action of the people (obedience) with the action of God (sanctification), showing that both are necessary in the pursuit of holiness.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 31:13: “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.’” This verse reiterates that God is the one who sanctifies His people.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7: “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” This New Testament verse continues the theme of God’s call to holiness for His people.
- Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” This verse emphasizes that God is at work in believers, enabling them to live according to His will.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 20:8 is a powerful reminder that living a holy life is both a command and a gift. We are called to actively obey God’s Word, but we also recognize that it is God who transforms us and makes us holy. This verse challenges believers to take God’s commands seriously, not as burdens but as a path to a deeper relationship with Him. It encourages Christians to trust in God’s power at work within them, knowing that He is faithful to complete the work He has started in their lives. Holiness is not about trying harder; it’s about surrendering to God and allowing Him to shape us through His Spirit.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love for His people in a profound way. God’s commands are not arbitrary rules; they are expressions of His desire for His people to live in a way that reflects His character and brings them closer to Him. By making us holy, God is inviting us into a relationship that is marked by closeness, purity, and purpose. His love is evident in His willingness to guide us, correct us, and transform us. God’s commands are not burdensome but are given out of His deep love and commitment to us as His children.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 20:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly kept God’s decrees and made a way for us to be holy. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus not only paid the price for our sins but also made it possible for us to be made holy before God. Hebrews 10:10 says, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice sanctifies us, setting us apart as God’s people. He is the perfect example of obedience, and through Him, we are empowered to live in a way that honors God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding that God makes us holy change the way you approach obedience to His commands?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more to help you live according to His Word?
- Why is it important to remember that holiness is both a command and a work of God in our lives?
- How does Jesus’ obedience to God’s commands encourage you in your walk with Him?
- What steps can you take to actively consecrate yourself and live in a way that reflects God’s holiness?
Reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding of God’s call to holiness and how you can live a life that honors Him.