Topical Encyclopedia
Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God and His expectations for His people. The term "holiness" is derived from the Hebrew word "qodesh" and the Greek word "hagios," both of which convey the idea of being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. Holiness is intrinsic to God's nature, as seen in passages such as
Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."
God's holiness is the standard for His people. In
Leviticus 19:2, God commands the Israelites, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where
1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Holiness involves moral purity and ethical conduct, reflecting God's righteousness. It requires separation from sin and dedication to God's service. The process of sanctification, or becoming holy, is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, as described in
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8: "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit."
The pursuit of holiness is both a personal and communal endeavor.
Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Holiness is not merely an individual pursuit but is to be reflected in the life of the church, the body of Christ, as a witness to the world.
RelationshipThe concept of relationship is foundational to the biblical narrative, emphasizing the connection between God and humanity, as well as among individuals. The Bible begins with the creation of humanity in God's image, establishing a unique relationship between the Creator and His creation (
Genesis 1:27). This relationship is characterized by love, communication, and covenant.
God's desire for relationship is evident in His interactions with key figures throughout the Bible. With Abraham, God establishes a covenant, promising to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him (
Genesis 12:1-3). This covenantal relationship is a recurring theme, as seen in God's promises to Isaac, Jacob, and the nation of Israel.
The ultimate expression of God's desire for relationship is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reconciles humanity to God, restoring the broken relationship caused by sin. In
John 15:15, Jesus tells His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you."
The New Testament further emphasizes the relational aspect of faith through the concept of the church as the body of Christ. Believers are called to live in community, loving and serving one another as an expression of their relationship with God.
Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
The relationship between God and humanity is also depicted as a familial bond, with God as Father and believers as His children.
Romans 8:15-16 states, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."
In summary, the Bible presents holiness and relationship as intertwined themes, with holiness being the means by which believers maintain a right relationship with God and others. Through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live holy lives in relationship with God and one another.
