Indeed, in Leviticus 19:2, God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy. This concept of holiness signifies being set apart and dedicated to God’s purposes, embodying His character and moral purity.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter echoes this call in 1 Peter 1:16, saying, "For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’" By quoting this Old Testament mandate, Peter emphasizes that the call to holiness extends beyond Israel and is relevant to all believers. He encourages Christians to reflect God's holiness in their lives, highlighting that being set apart is a vital part of the Christian identity. This connection underscores the continuity of God's ethical expectations across both the Old and New Testaments.