The concept of holiness is woven throughout Scripture, defining who God is and what He calls His people to be. The word “holy” originates from the Hebrew word קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh) in the Old Testament and the Greek word ἅγιος (hagios) in the New Testament. At its core, “holy” means to be set apart, pure, and dedicated to God.
God’s Holiness: The Essence of His Character
The Bible consistently emphasizes that God is holy. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim cry out:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”
God’s holiness is His otherness—His transcendence and moral perfection. Unlike humanity, God is entirely free from sin and corruption. His holiness is foundational to all His attributes. For example:
Exodus 15:11: “Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
1 Peter 1:16: “Because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” (referencing Leviticus 11:44)
God’s holiness reveals His absolute moral purity and separateness from sin. This is why sin cannot dwell in His presence (Habakkuk 1:13).
God’s People as Holy
Holiness is not just descriptive of God but prescriptive for His people. From the beginning, God called His people to be set apart for His purposes. In Exodus 19:6, God told Israel:
“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
To be holy as God’s people meant to live in obedience to His laws, reflecting His character to the surrounding nations. This concept carries into the New Testament, where believers in Christ are also called holy:
1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Corinthians 1:2: Paul addresses believers as those who “are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.”
The idea of being set apart is central. Believers are no longer to conform to the world’s patterns but are transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1–2).
Holy Living: What Does It Mean for Us?
Living a holy life involves both separation from sin and dedication to God. Holiness is not a passive state but an active pursuit. The Bible provides clear instructions:
Holiness is Enabled by the Holy Spirit
We cannot achieve holiness on our own. God gives His Spirit to enable us to live holy lives:
Galatians 5:16: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Holiness Requires Obedience
Living a holy life involves submission to God’s Word:
John 17:17: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
Psalm 119:9: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.”
Holiness Involves Moral Purity
Holiness is reflected in our actions and thoughts:
1 Thessalonians 4:7: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.”
Philippians 4:8: “Whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely…meditate on these things.”
Holiness as Witness
A holy life testifies to the transformative power of God:
Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
The Tension of Holiness: Position vs. Practice
It is important to understand the dual aspect of holiness in the life of a believer:
Positional Holiness: When we are saved, we are declared holy in Christ. This is our standing before God:
Hebrews 10:10: “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Practical Holiness: This is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ in daily life:
Philippians 2:12: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
While we are made holy in Christ, we are also called to grow in holiness through the work of the Spirit and obedience to God’s Word.
Other References that Call us to Holiness
Leviticus 20:26: “And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.”
Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
Ephesians 1:4: “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”
My Final Thoughts
Holiness is not an abstract theological concept; it is the essence of who God is and the foundation of His relationship with His people. To live a holy life means to live in the light of God’s presence, reflecting His character in a world that desperately needs Him. Holiness requires intentionality, surrender, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is a calling, a privilege, and a responsibility.
Let us pursue holiness, not out of legalism or fear, but as a response to the holiness of the God who called us. As Peter writes:
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15–16)
Holiness is not just about what we avoid but about who we become in Christ. May our lives reflect His holiness as a testimony of His grace and power.
