“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy'” (Leviticus 19:2 NKJV)

God explained to Moses the purpose behind the laws of personal conduct for the people of Israel, namely: Holiness. The Hebrew word for “holy” is qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ), literally meaning to be set apart for special use, to be consecrated, sacred, holy. God had chosen the Israelites to be His special people, set apart for His purpose. They were to be different than the world, showing forth the glory and holiness of God, as His image bearers. Yet, the law was unable to change their unholy hearts. It worked to restrain their behavior, but its real effect was to expose their guilty hearts and reveal their need for a Savior. If we are to be holy as the Lord our God is holy, then we must receive His Holy One, Jesus the Christ. Then, our lives will “shine like stars” in a dark world (Phil.2:15).