The point of the instruction is not to increase Christ’s level of holiness in some way. The point is instead that, since Christ is holy, he is a holy place for the Christian, a sanctuary of safety (Isaiah 8:14) in the face of threats. By seeking refuge in Christ’s protection, the Christian honours Christ. Instead, then, of caving to the pressures of threats, the Christian draws from Christ a sense of safety and so perseveres in the lifestyle of doing good. See Matthew 5:39–42.
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,