How can I live a holy life?

TL;DR:

Living a holy life is possible when we surrender to Christ and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience. Though we will still sin, God’s grace and forgiveness enable us to keep growing in holiness and glorify Him in our daily lives.

what does the bible say?

The Bible teaches that God is holy (1 John 1:5), and He calls us to be holy (1 Peter 1:16, quoting Leviticus 19:2). This means being set apart for God, living according to His ways in purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; 1 Peter 1:14–15). Romans 12:1–2 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Living our lives unto God becomes easier when we steep ourselves in God’s Word (John 17:17; Psalm 119:11), submit to Him daily (Galatians 5:16), and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24–25). We cannot achieve a holy life merely by our own efforts. Because we are sinful (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12) and have an adversary in Satan (1 Peter 5:8–9), living a holy life would be impossible without first being made righteous in God's sight through surrendering to Christ (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 1:3–14; 2:1–10). When we accept Christ as Savior, we’re indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to lead godly lives (Romans 8). In other words, God's grace—not our works—saves us, and the indwelling Holy Spirit transforms us enables us to live holy (2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Philippians 1:6; 2:12–13). By leading a holy and set apart life, we are freed from a lifestyle of sin and can glorify God to others (Matthew 5:16; Romans 6:6).

from the old testament

The Mosaic law highlighted how God’s people were to be set apart from the pagan nations as holy. God told Moses, “‘Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
One way to avoid sinning against God is to know what He considers sin; we know this through studying His Word. As the psalmist writes, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11).

from the new testament

God is holy (1 John 1:5), and He calls us to be holy like He is (1 Peter 1:16).
Living a pure life is impossible without the Holy Spirit, who lives within those who surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and become born again, made righteous in God's sight (Ephesians 1:13; Romans 5:1).
Paul writes about sexual purity as a component of holy living: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Sexual purity is one part of virtuous living, but a holy life is much broader than that. Every part of our life should be holy: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14–15).
By living a holy and set apart life, we glorify God, show His nature to others, and live free from the power of sin (Matthew 5:16; Romans 6:6).

implications for today

We’ve all had it happen: A friend is sharing pictures, and you see a candid, unflattering image of yourself. That picture shows flaws that you hadn’t noticed, even though you see yourself in the mirror daily. When we look in the mirror, what we expect to see can blind us to what’s really there; a picture can open our eyes. The prophet Isaiah had a much more powerful experience of noticing his flaws, the ones that go deeper than looks. When Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord, he immediately realized his own unholiness by contrast, and he couldn’t help but cry out, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5).

Without Christ, we would be as helpless as Isaiah felt at that moment because we’re all sinners (Romans 3:23). But those who yield their life to Christ are covered by His righteousness and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can lead lives glorifying God. This doesn’t mean that we’ll live perfectly from then on. We will still sin (1 John 1:8—2:6). But unrepentant sin won’t be a persistent, purposeful pattern in the life of the believer. And the important thing is that we can confess our sins, ask for God's forgiveness, and keep moving forward (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1). God's mercy for us is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23).

understand

God calls us to live holy, set-apart lives marked by obedience and Christlikeness.
Holiness is impossible by our own effort, and we need the Holy Spirit within us to help us live a holy life.
Though we still sin, God’s grace and forgiveness help us grow and glorify Him daily.

reflect

In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to live in obedience and holiness?
How are you daily surrendering to Christ and depending on the Holy Spirit’s power to grow in holiness?
When you stumble or sin, how do you respond to God’s grace and forgiveness?

engage

Why is the Holy Spirit’s help essential in living a holy life?
What is our responsibility in living a holy life?
How can we support other believers in growing in holiness while recognizing we all still struggle with sin?