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 fundamentally about separation from sin and dedication to God.
In the Old Testament, God's holiness is a foundational attribute.
Leviticus 19:2 states, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This command underscores the call for God's people to reflect His holiness in their lives. The holiness of God is also vividly depicted in
Isaiah 6:3 , where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."
The concept of holiness extends to objects, places, and times set apart for God's purposes. The tabernacle and later the temple were considered holy because they were dedicated to the worship of God. The Sabbath was also a holy day, as seen in
Exodus 20:8 : "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."
In the New Testament, holiness continues to be a vital aspect of the Christian life. Believers are called to live holy lives as a response to the grace they have received through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "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.'" The New Testament emphasizes that holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a transformation of the heart and mind through the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses holiness in his epistles, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In
1 Thessalonians 4:7 , he writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." Holiness is thus both a divine gift and a human responsibility, requiring believers to pursue purity and righteousness in their daily lives.
OrderOrder in the biblical context refers to the structured and purposeful arrangement of creation, society, and the church according to God's design. The concept of order is evident from the very beginning of the Bible, where God brings order out of chaos in the creation narrative.
Genesis 1:1-2 describes the earth as "formless and void," and through His creative word, God establishes order, culminating in a harmonious and good creation.
The order of creation reflects God's wisdom and sovereignty.
Psalm 104:24 declares, "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures." This order is not only physical but also moral and ethical, as God establishes laws and commandments to guide human behavior.
In society, order is maintained through divinely instituted authorities and structures.
Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage highlights the importance of respecting and submitting to authority as part of God's ordained order.
Order is also a key principle within the church. The Apostle Paul addresses the need for order in worship and church governance. In
1 Corinthians 14:40 , he advises, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This instruction ensures that worship services are conducted in a way that edifies the congregation and honors God.
Furthermore, the New Testament outlines roles and responsibilities within the church to maintain order and promote spiritual growth.
Ephesians 4:11-12 describes the various offices given to the church: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."
In summary, holiness and order are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His intentions for creation, society, and the church. Holiness calls for a life set apart for God, while order ensures that life is lived according to His divine plan.
