Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and EtymologyThe concept of holiness in the Bible is derived from the Hebrew word "qadosh" and the Greek word "hagios," both of which mean "set apart" or "sacred." Holiness is a fundamental attribute of God and a calling for His people. It signifies purity, moral integrity, and separation from sin and the profane.
Biblical FoundationHoliness is first and foremost an attribute of God. In
Leviticus 11:44, God declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I 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 of GodGod's holiness is absolute and intrinsic to His nature.
Isaiah 6:3 captures the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the perfection and completeness of God's holiness. God's holiness is also evident in His actions and judgments, as seen in
Psalm 99:9: "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy."
Holiness of BelieversBelievers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives. This involves a transformation that begins with salvation and continues through sanctification.
Romans 12:1 urges believers, "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." Holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation of the heart and mind.
Practical Aspects of HolinessBeing holy involves a conscious effort to live according to God's standards. This includes moral purity, ethical behavior, and a commitment to God's commandments.
Ephesians 4:24 instructs believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Holiness also involves separation from worldly influences and sin, as
2 Corinthians 6:17 advises, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
Holiness and the ChurchThe Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be holy.
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 glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." The Church's mission is to uphold and promote holiness among its members and in the world.
Challenges to HolinessBelievers face numerous challenges in their pursuit of holiness, including temptation, cultural pressures, and personal weaknesses. However, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome these obstacles.
Galatians 5:16 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Holiness and the FutureThe ultimate fulfillment of holiness will be realized in the eschatological hope of believers.
Revelation 21:27 assures that nothing impure will enter the New Jerusalem, "nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life." This future promise motivates believers to pursue holiness in the present.
ConclusionHoliness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His desire for His people. It is both a divine attribute and a human calling, requiring believers to live lives set apart for God's purposes. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to pursue holiness, reflecting God's character in a fallen world.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Peter 1:15But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;
Topicalbible.orgHebrews 3:1
Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Topicalbible.org
Greek
53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement,holy, sacred... 53 (an adjective, which may be cognate with 40 , "
holy," so , 1, 122) -- properly,
to
... spoilation even within (even down to the center of one's
being); not with
...38. hagiasmos -- consecration, sanctification
... from 40 , "holy") -- (the process of advancing in ); use of the believerbeing
progressively transformed by the Lord into His likeness (similarity of nature)....
5140. treis and tria -- three
... 5140 -- ; also the number of (symbolically) showing His work -- ie as the (being),
God the Father, God the Son, and God theHoly Spirit. Word Origin a prim....
4442. pur -- fire
... like aholy fire, enlightens and purifies so that believers can share more and more .
Indeed the brings the privilege ofbeing which happens by experiencing...
1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent
... just") describes what is in conformity to God's ownbeing (His will... From dike; equitable
(in character or act); by implication, innocent,holy (absolutely or...
Library
Pray for Me.
... 917] and placed their hope in Him, [918] and waited for Him; in whom also believing,
they were saved, through union to Jesus Christ,being holy men, worthy of...
How aHoly Man,Being in Prayer, Saw the Soul of Brother Giles...
... THE LIFE OF THE BLESSED BROTHER GILES, COMPANION OF ST FRANCIS CHAPTER VIII HOW
AHOLY MAN,BEING IN PRAYER, SAW THE SOUL OF BROTHER GILES PASS TO ETERNAL LIFE....
How the SameHoly Man,Being Detained There by Sickness, by his...
... XIX. How the sameholy man,being detained there by sickness, by his prayers quenched
a fire that had broken out among the houses, and was himself cured of his...
These Things IBeing Ignorant Of, Scoffed at those ThyHoly...
... Book III Chapter X These things Ibeing ignorant of, scoffed at those Thy
holy servants and prophets.? These things Ibeing ignorant...
Gregory Further Shows that the Only-BegottenBeing Begotten not...
... Section 7. Gregory further shows that the Only-Begottenbeing begotten not only
of the Father, but also impassibly of the Virgin by theHoly Ghost, does not...
The Deity of theHoly Spirit.
... We read in 2 Peter 1:21, RV, "For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but
men spake from God,being moved by theHoly Ghost." Even in the Old Testament...
Grace and Holiness.
... it is the centre of our moral and spiritualbeing; and when this is understood we
can see at once the point and importance of the heartbeing holy, for it is...
What is Hierarchy? and what the Use of Hierarchy?
... and that those who make perfect, asbeing skilled in the impartation of perfection,
should perfect thosebeing perfected, through theholy instruction, in the...
TheHoly Spirit of Promise
... Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the
Gentiles might be acceptable,being sanctified by theHoly Ghost.""Rom.15...
The Doctrine of theHoly Spirit
... the attributes, properties and qualities of personality, then personality may be
unquestionably predicated of such abeing. Does theHoly Spirit possess such...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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