In this world of sin, the word of God commands believers in Christ to be set apart for God. But what does this term really mean in the Bible? While there are several ways to define it, the biblical definition is the most accurate.
God created us to fulfill a particular purpose on earth. However, we must separate ourselves unto Him to be able to carry out the divine assignments He has placed in our hands.
Knowing the meaning of being set apart can give you a clear understanding of your identity in Christ. Moreover, it can influence the way you live your life as a Christian in the midst of sinners.
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The term “set apart” is a simple yet powerful recurring command in the scriptures. It expresses the belief that true Christians must be holy, righteous, and different from the people of the world. Let’s explore this concept from the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible.
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In the Old Testament, the term set apart comes from the Hebrew word “qadosh,” meaning “sacred” or “holy.” Therefore, the words sacred, holy, and set apart can be used interchangeably since they mean the same thing.
The Almighty God is holy and righteous, and whoever wants to have a close walk with Him must live a righteous life.
In Leviticus 19:2, the Lord God says to 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 20:7 gives a similar command: “So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God.”
The scriptures make us understand that the Israelites are God’s chosen people. They’re special because of God’s relationship with Abraham and the promises he made to him and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 17:3-8).
Since the Israelites are the descendants of Abraham’s grandson Jacob, they’re among the beneficiaries of Abraham’s blessings. God’s love for the people of Israel is evident in many stories in the Bible, including their deliverance from the land of Egypt (Exodus 14).
Among the Israelites are the Levites, the descendants of Jacob’s son Levi, who are dedicated to the service of God (Numbers 8:14). They’re responsible for performing duties in the tabernacle or temple, including maintaining the place of worship and helping the priests. Because the Levites have a special calling by God, there are specific rules and laws guiding their work in the tabernacle (Deuteronomy 18).
The term set apart, in the New Testament, comes from the ancient Greek word “hagios,” meaning “holy” or “sacred.” 1 Peter 2:9 says,
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This verse of the scripture implies that anyone who identifies with the body of Christ is special in the sight of God. They’re God’s own possession, saved by grace and not by their work of righteousness. And so, they must live a life that pleases and glorifies God by obeying His commands.
The Lord Jesus Christ gave the perfect example of what it means to be set apart for God in the Bible. He came into the world to die for our sins and to reconcile us with the heavenly Father. Even though Christ Jesus suffered at the hands of the people he came to save, he completed his earthly mission successfully.
From the moment a person becomes born-again, the Lord endows them with special gifts to make them outstanding. It is by using these gifts that they can fulfill the specific purpose God has for their lives. However, any believer who wants to maximize God’s gifts must determine to separate themselves from the world.
Romans 12:2 commands all followers of Christ, saying, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
We can find several examples of people who were set apart for God in the scriptures. Let’s talk about a few of the most popular ones!
1. Joseph
Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, had a dream that his brothers would bow to him one day. However, Joseph’s brothers did not accept his dream narration with joy, and this led to the beginning of his problems.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he continued to hold on to God. He thought his struggles had finally come to an end in Potiphar’s house until the man’s wife accused him wrongly. He was sentenced to prison, where God decided to showcase him for greatness.
From prison, Joseph moved to the position of prime minister in Egypt because he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. The Lord God purposely set Joseph apart so that he could save the lives of many people from famine, including his family members (Genesis 37-50).
2. Moses
The servant of God Moses was called by the Lord God to lead the children of Israel to the promised land. But he had to first ensure the Israelites left the land of Egypt, where Pharaoh had turned them into slaves.
With the help of God, Moses escaped with the people of Israel through the Red Sea successfully. He also received the Ten Commandments from God, which became one of the most popular laws guiding our relationship with God and one another to date.
Moses was an exemplary leader whose life believers can emulate in their daily work with God.
From being a prosecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher of the gospel, Apostle Paul truly fulfilled his divine assignment. He encountered Jesus on the way to Damascus, and his life never remained the same.
Just as Paul persecuted the Christians during his time, he also suffered persecution because of his Christian belief. He was beaten and imprisoned many times but did not lose his faith in Christ.
Paul wrote 13 books out of the 27 books of the New Testament of the Bible. His life reminds us that God can transform a notorious sinner into a saint and use them for his glory.
Final Thoughts
Always have it in mind that God has set you apart for Himself. Therefore, you must be conscious of your interactions with others in speech and conduct.
Although the people of the world may consider you as being boring, strange, or not up to their standard, their opinions don’t count.
God sees you as a holy nation and a royal priesthood, and that’s what matters. Live with the consciousness that you’re special in the sight of God because you truly are!
Kennie Oguntoyinbo is a freelance content writer, editor and proofreader with over 4 years of experience. She is highly skilled in creating captivating and informative content across the Christian, relationship, and parenting niches. With a deep love for Christian-related articles, she writes content that inspires the readers, combining biblical lessons with practical knowledge. Whether writing devotional blogs, relationship advice, or family-focused articles, she aims to glorify God while connecting with readers through relatable, encouraging, faith-driven articles.
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