But as he which hath called you is holy
Which is a periphrasis of God the Father, who had called them,
not merely in an external way, by the outward ministry of the
word; but internally, powerfully, and efficaciously, by his
Spirit and grace; and who had called them to holiness of life and
conversation, as well as in calling had implanted principles of
holiness in them, and therefore is said to call them with an holy
calling; and who himself is holy, naturally, perfectly, and
originally, and in such sense as no creature is, angels or men;
and is glorious in holiness, and is the source and fountain of
holiness in others: therefore
[so] be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
which respects not internal holiness, but supposes it; for that
is God's work, and not the creature's act; it is the
sanctification of the Spirit, of which he is the author; this
they were chosen unto from the beginning, and made partakers of
in regeneration; but external holiness, holiness of life and
conversation, in all the parts and branches of it, both with
respect to God and men, in matters both of religion and civil
life: and to be holy in this sense is an imitating of God, a
copying after him, though he is far from being equalled by a
sinful creature, or even by an angel in heaven; however, the
arguments to it, taken from the nature of God, and of his
effectual calling to grace and holiness, are very strong and
powerful; for it is walking worthy of him, who has called us to
his kingdom and glory; and walking worthy of that calling wherein
we are called; and a following of God, as dear and obedient
children; and what is according to his will, and what he directs
unto, and requires, as appears from what follows.