The Pharisee was not permitted to kill. But we are not permitted even to harbor malice against another person or to speak insultingly to him. Our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisee.

Worship under the new covenant is much more comprehensive than worship under the old covenant. The same is true of the requirement that the saint be holy.

Holiness was a very important aspect of the old covenant.

The laws of holiness covered various aspects of personal appearance and behavior, especially eating and drinking. The feast days were holy observances. The Tabernacle of the Congregation was divided into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. All the furnishings of the Tabernacle, its ordinances, and the garments and activities of the priesthood, were holy to the Lord.

The concept of holiness included physical and spiritual cleanliness, and the idea of belonging to God in a manner not shared by the remainder of mankind.

Holiness under the new covenant is much more demanding.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)

"Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit."

"Perfecting holiness."

The holiness of the new covenant does not include eating and drinking, although eating and drinking to excess are considered to be works of the flesh and therefore must be resisted.

We are to cleanse ourselves. The holy warfare of the Israelites was against the people who were occupying their promised inheritance. The holy warfare of the Christians is against the unclean spirits who occupy their inheritance. Again, the new covenant is much more demanding.

All the works of the flesh, adultery, fornication, drunkenness, covetousness, hatred, strife, gossiping, sorcery, are unclean. The believer is to cleanse himself by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul consistently employed the term "saint" to refer to the believer in Christ. "Saint" means holy one. We are to be holy—free from unclean spirits and devoted to God at all times. No unholy person will see the Lord or walk with the Lord, whether or not he or she is a believer in Jesus.

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (Hebrews 12:10)

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14)

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:17,18)

To be continued.