June 1

'For I am the Lord your God; ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.' — Leviticus 11:44.

IN the context we have the various laws and ordinances to be observed by the Jews, in reference to what they were to eat, and what they were to abstain from. The ceremonial law was "a figure for the time then present;" but we live under a different dispensation, and are expressly informed that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy, in the Holy Ghost." It is spiritual in its origin, nature, principles, requirements, and ends. Two things may be observed in the passage.

IT ENJOINS AN IMPORTANT DUTY. "Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy."

Its extensive import. We are not to imagine by the language here employed, that it is in the power of man to sanctify his soul; this is the work of the Spirit; but there is required on our part a diligent use of the means which God has instituted for this end. It includes separation from sin, dedication to God, and a course of holiness.

Its desirable nature. What is the pleasure of sin, when compared with the enjoyment of holiness? The one is transient, like a meteor's glare, suddenly darting across the firmament; the other is enduring, like the never-tiring sun. A course of holiness is desirable both on a present and future account. It is excellent in its nature, honorable in its character, and extensive in its benefits.

Its indispensable necessity. "Without holiness no man can see the Lord." Without it we are incapacitated for holding communion with him here, or entering into his presence hereafter. Those who are saved are sanctified, and those who are the possessors of happiness are the partakers of holiness.

IT SUPPLIES A POWERFUL MOTIVE. This is twofold, and both in connection with God.

His covenant relation. "For I am the Lord your God." He is the Former of our bodies, the Father of our spirits, the Preserver of our lives, the God of our mercies, and the Author of salvation; should not this urge us to holiness?

His spotless purity. "For I am holy." We may imitate holy people in many things, but they have their imperfections; there is the dross of sin with the gold of grace. But here is an infallible pattern, the only perfect standard of moral excellence: aim, as far as possible, to come up to it; see where you come short, and remember that the way to discern your spots is not to look into the polluted streams of men's lives, but to Him who is the fountain of purity.