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."
