A key word in Leviticus is "holy," which carries the idea of separation. God desired that the people of Israel be separated from certain activities and appearances in order to better reflect his character. "You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own" (Lev. 20:26). Their covenant with God was the basis for their separation. Christians today are to strive toward holiness as well. As just one New Testament example among many, the writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us to "make every effort . . . to be holy" (12:14).
