Set apart: 10 Bible verses that show how Christians can live differently

 Pixabay

The Bible is clear that Christians are supposed to live out their faith in word and deed. "Faith without works is dead," writes James in chapter 2, and Scripture is littered with God's call to his people to live different, holy lives – set apart for his glory.

This means living in a way that reflects our faith in God, and his abounding love for each and every person. It means that we are marked for a purpose – to share his goodness with those around us and to join with the Holy Spirit in what God is doing to build his kingdom on earth.

Here are 10 Bible verses that point to how and why Christians should live differently.

1. Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

2. 1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

3. Philippians 2:14-15

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."

4. 1 Peter 1:15-16

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

5. 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

6. Leviticus 20:7-8

"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God.Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy."

7. Colossians 3:12

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

8. 2 Timothy 1:9-10

"He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

9. Psalm 119:9

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word."

10. Ephesians 4:22-24

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

related articles
5 smartphone apps to enhance your spiritual life
5 smartphone apps to enhance your spiritual life

5 smartphone apps to enhance your spiritual life

Jesus and the Samaritan woman: How holy truth-telling changes lives
Jesus and the Samaritan woman: How holy truth-telling changes lives

Jesus and the Samaritan woman: How holy truth-telling changes lives

What the four women in Jesus' genealogy show us about God's view on women

What the four women in Jesus' genealogy show us about God's view on women

The art of choosing: 5 keys to making better decisions
The art of choosing: 5 keys to making better decisions

The art of choosing: 5 keys to making better decisions

The grace to try again: 10 Bible verses about perseverance

The grace to try again: 10 Bible verses about perseverance

News
Christian leaders deeply disappointed by Commons backing for assisted suicide
Christian leaders deeply disappointed by Commons backing for assisted suicide

Church leaders have expressed deep disappointment after the House of Commons voted in favour of legalising assisted suicide. 

Committed anti-assisted suicide campaigner dies days before crunch vote
Committed anti-assisted suicide campaigner dies days before crunch vote

Philip Bateman had practical concerns about assisted suicide but ultimately believed it to be against God's plan for us.

'This is a deeply flawed and dangerous Bill' - Care Not Killing's response to assisted suicide vote
'This is a deeply flawed and dangerous Bill' - Care Not Killing's response to assisted suicide vote

Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, responds to the Third Reading vote in the House of Common in which legislation legalising assisted suicide passed by a narrow majority of 314 votes to 291

Christians 'grieved' after MPs back assisted suicide by just 23 votes
Christians 'grieved' after MPs back assisted suicide by just 23 votes

Christians have reacted with sadness after MPs today voted in favour of Kim Leadbeater's bill to legalise assisted suicide.