Topical Encyclopedia
Holiness is a fundamental theme woven throughout the fabric of the Bible, reflecting the nature of God and His expectations for His people. The concept of holiness is rooted in the Hebrew word "qadosh," meaning "set apart" or "sacred," and the Greek word "hagios," which carries a similar connotation. Holiness signifies a state of being distinct from the common or profane, dedicated to God and His purposes.
God's HolinessThe holiness of God is a central attribute of His character, underscoring His purity, righteousness, and transcendence. In
Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This threefold repetition emphasizes the supreme holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation. God's holiness is also evident in His moral perfection and His intolerance of sin, as seen in
Habakkuk 1:13: "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing."
Holiness in the Old TestamentIn the Old Testament, holiness is a defining characteristic of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites are called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (
Exodus 19:6), reflecting God's holiness in their conduct and worship. The Law, given through Moses, provides detailed instructions for maintaining holiness, including dietary laws, rituals, and moral commandments.
Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'"
The Tabernacle and later the Temple serve as physical manifestations of God's holiness, with the Most Holy Place representing His divine presence. The sacrificial system underscores the need for atonement and purification, highlighting the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Holiness in the New TestamentThe New Testament continues the theme of holiness, emphasizing the transformative work of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Jesus Christ, the Holy One of God (
Mark 1:24), embodies perfect holiness and provides the means for humanity to be reconciled to God. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are sanctified and called to live holy lives.
The Apostle Peter reiterates the call to holiness in
1 Peter 1:15-16: "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 Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, urging believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (
Romans 12:1).
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to pursue holiness, producing the fruit of the Spirit and enabling them to resist sin.
Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Holiness in the ChurchThe Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be holy and blameless, reflecting God's character to the world.
Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the Church, "to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
Holiness is both a positional reality and a progressive journey for believers. While they are declared holy through faith in Christ, they are also called to grow in holiness, striving to live in accordance with God's will.
Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
In summary, holiness is a central theme that permeates Scripture, revealing the nature of God and His desire for His people to reflect His holiness in their lives. Through the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live set apart, dedicated to God's purposes, and manifesting His character in a fallen world.
