One of the greatest blessings we have been given is our calling by God, a divine summons that sets us apart as holy ones. This calling, described by Jesus Christ in John 6:44 and 6:65, reveals that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws or grants it to them. Our calling is to be separate and different, as the term "saint" or "holy one" signifies one who is set apart, regardless of personal goodness at the time of separation. As seen in I Corinthians 1:2 and II Timothy 1:9, God calls us with a holy calling to be distinct from others. Though declared holy by Him, we are expected to grow beyond this initial designation. Ephesians 2:1-2 clarifies that God has separated us from our trespasses and sins, the course of this world, and the influence of Satan. This separation is not merely a one-time act; He requires us to remain apart from these things, to stay free from sin's defilement, and to walk according to His course rather than the world's.

Holiness, as it pertains to being set apart, is a defining quality of God, marking His uniqueness and separateness from all creation. He stands apart and above, demanding exclusive worship and allegiance due to His infinite majesty, immeasurable power, and perfect righteousness. To be holy, as He is holy, means to be set apart for Godly use, reflecting a quality beyond mere morality, encompassing attitudes and perceptions that conform to His image. The command to be holy is directed to all who serve Him, regardless of their status, emphasizing a likeness to God in character and purpose. This call to be set apart is not merely a designation but a transformative process, requiring separation from worldly influences and a dedication to living according to His standards. Being holy involves a consecration to the highest ideals, striving to maintain purity as a temple of God's spirit, keeping it clean because He dwells within. Holiness, in the context of being set apart, also carries a caution against misuse of the term. Simply being designated as holy by calling or position does not equate to possessing God-like qualities. True holiness, as God intends, includes a set of qualities in one's entire being that mirror His nature, attainable only through His spirit and an intimate relationship with Him. The challenge of being set apart as holy is formidable yet essential, as God does not command what cannot be attained. Through life experiences and a close relationship with Him, some measure of His holiness can be imparted to us, transforming our nature and the way we live. This separation may require self-control, self-denial, and even distancing from old associations, ensuring our loyalties are to Christ and our lives reflect His desires and purposes. Ultimately, being set apart as holy is a call to the entire church, each member a priest in training under Jesus Christ. It involves a lifelong pursuit of growth in holiness through love, obedience, study, prayer, and service, preparing us for roles as kings and priests in His Kingdom. This process of being set apart is a constant reminder to strive for holiness, far beyond merely avoiding sin, encompassing the entirety of our relationship with God.

At the beginning of our spiritual lives, God declares us holy or saints, and we must continue in that holiness to make it complete. He desires us to become holy ones, separate ones in truth, and not merely in name. Our calling by God to perfect holiness is our true vocation, the job that truly matters. As we go through our days, we must continually evaluate everything through the lens of being set apart. Jesus Christ says we are to be in the world, but not of it, separate from the things of Satan, removed from the defilement of sin, and detached from anything in opposition to God. Our separation from the world fits into our annual observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, which looks forward to the Millennial rule of Jesus Christ on earth, when the saints will form part of God's government. God will give the opportunity to create a new world only to those who have perfected holiness, denying authority to anyone still wrapped up in this present, evil world. We have been called, set apart, and made to be separate so we can instill values that have their source in God and reject those that originate elsewhere. This calling to be holy is foundational, equipping us to teach others how to live when this world passes away. Our duty is to be set apart in all our conduct, standing apart from the world that is fading. God has already begun the process by separating the saints from the power of darkness and conveying them into Christ's Kingdom, a nation of holy ones. As saints, our vocation is to represent that Kingdom and to perfect the holiness that our King has given us.