Topical Encyclopedia
Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God. The concept of holiness is rooted in the very essence of God, who is described as holy, pure, and set apart. The call to holiness is a call to be like God, to reflect His character in our lives. This entry explores the biblical understanding of holiness, emphasizing that it begins at the source—God Himself.
God as the Source of HolinessThe Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate source of holiness. In
Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This threefold repetition underscores the absolute holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation. God's holiness is intrinsic to His being, and it is from this divine source that all holiness flows.
The Call to HolinessBelievers are called to be holy because God is holy. 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 is reiterated in the New Testament, where
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.'"
Holiness Through ChristThe New Testament reveals that holiness is made possible through Jesus Christ. In
Ephesians 1:4, Paul writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are sanctified and set apart for God's purposes.
Hebrews 10:10 affirms, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey toward holiness. The Spirit empowers and enables believers to live holy lives, transforming them into the likeness of Christ. In
Galatians 5:16, Paul instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The fruit of the Spirit, listed in
Galatians 5:22-23, reflects the holy character that believers are called to exhibit.
Holiness in Daily LifeHoliness is not merely a theological concept but a practical reality that should permeate every aspect of a believer's life.
Romans 12:1 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to holiness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's standards, rejecting sin and pursuing righteousness.
The Community of HolinessThe call to holiness is not only individual but also communal. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community.
Ephesians 2:21-22 describes the church as "a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit." The community of believers is to reflect God's holiness to the world, serving as a beacon of light in a darkened world.
ConclusionHoliness begins at the source—God Himself. As believers draw near to God, they are transformed by His holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and called to live lives that reflect His character. Through Christ, the ultimate expression of God's holiness, believers are sanctified and set apart for His purposes, called to be holy as He is holy.
