Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 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, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. ~ 1 Peter 1:8-17
When we read that we are to be holy as God is holy, most of us wonder how that’s possible. We are by nature sinful and corrupt—not holy. But when God calls us to something, He empowers us. We cannot be holy on our own, but we are holy because Jesus made us holy when He washed us in His Blood on the cross. No matter how or how often we sin, every time we repent, we are washed clean and made holy.
Lord God, there is no way I can be holy as You are holy—yet You make me holy. Jesus gave His life and rose again from the dead so I can be pure before You. That is one of those thoughts of Yours that is far above mine, one of those ways that is far above my ways. I am so in awe of Your power, Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.