The grace of holiness

When Aaron and his sons were ordained, Moses did not tell them, “Try really hard not to sin for the next couple of months. Then you’ll be holy.” Instead they were sprinkled with oil and blood and declared holy (Lev 8:30). The holiness that God demands requires blood (Lev 11:45). The blood is representative of the blood of Jesus who took our sin and imputed his holiness to us (2Co 5:21). To rely on your own works for holiness is not only futile, it is insulting to the grace of God (Gal 5:4). You should try to be good, but only Jesus can make you holy.