Holiness

What Is The Importance of Holiness?

God created man to be holy.

Salvation involves redeeming the whole man by restoring the holiness which was lost through the sinful act of disobedience resulting in the fall of mankind.

Why Do I Need To Be Holy?

The Big Picture of Holiness

God created man for a loving relationship. Communion with God requires holiness. Sin separates man from God because it violates the requirements of a loving relationship. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit enters our spirit, reconnecting us to God and enables us to live holy lives.

What are the essential aspects of Holiness?

  1. Those who accept God’s redemptive plan will, in one act of faithful obedience, receive forgiveness and justification along with a new eternal life and a connection with God through the Holy Spirit.
  2. While justification is immediate, sanctification (holiness) is a process which eventually leads to glorification with a glorified body in heaven.
  3. On Earth, disciples of Christ receive redemption spiritually but retain the sinful nature in the body until the physical redemption with a glorified body which occurs in heaven.

How Can I Become Holy?

Holiness describes a state of being set apart for a special purpose, and it is often associated with God and those who devote themselves to Him.

Holiness is closely tied to the character and nature of God. In the Bible, God is described as holy, so He is pure, separate from sin, and worthy of reverence and worship. In Leviticus 11:44, God says to the Israelites, “Be holy, because I am holy.” This verse highlights the fact that God is holy and separate from sin, and that He calls his disciples to be holy as well.

A video from Bible Project

One of the most significant passages on holiness in the Bible is Leviticus 20:7, which states, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.” This passage highlights the fact that God calls on His people to be holy, and it suggests that holiness is a way of life that is required of all believers. This idea is further emphasized in 1 Peter 1:15-16, which instructs believers to “be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” These passages suggest that holiness is not just a matter of personal preference or spiritual discipline, but a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith.

Another important aspect of holiness is the idea that it is a sign of being set apart for a special purpose. In Exodus 19:6, God declares to the Israelites, “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” This passage shows that God chose the Israelites to be a special people, set apart from the rest of the world to serve Him and to be a light to the nations. Similarly, in Romans 12:1, Paul writes believers are “presented as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” These passages suggest that holiness is not just a personal characteristic, but a way of living that should reflect the character of God and to serve His purposes in the world.

Besides being a way of life and a sign of being set apart, holiness is a means of glorifying God. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul writes that believers have been “bought with a price” and are therefore “to glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This passage suggests that holiness expresses the believer’s gratitude and devotion to God, and that it is a way of honoring and glorifying Him. This idea is also reflected in 1 Peter 2:9, which states that believers 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.” These passages show that holiness is not just a personal virtue, but a way of living that should bring glory to God and to reflect His character in the world.

What Are The Steps To Holiness?

  • Faith in Jesus: One way that Christians can pursue holiness is by following the teachings and commands of Jesus, who Himself was holy and perfect. The Bible teaches that we cannot be made holy through our own efforts, but only through faith in Jesus. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage teaches that it is through faith in Jesus that we are made holy and reconciled to God.

  • The work of the Holy Spirit: Another way to pursue holiness is through the power of the Holy Spirit, who helps believers to overcome sin and grow in their faith. The Holy Spirit gives believers the strength and guidance they need to live a holy life, and to grow in their relationship with God. In Romans 8:13, it says, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” This verse teaches that through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome sin and live a holy life.

  • Obedience to God: Holiness requires a close relationship with God and a willingness to submit to His will and follow His commands. In 1 Peter 1:14-16, it says, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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.'” This verse teaches that believers are called to be obedient to God and to follow His commands to live a holy life. When we seek to live a holy life, we draw closer to God and become more like Him, which ultimately leads to a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy.

  • Repentance: Holiness is recognizing our sinfulness and turning away from it. In the Bible, Jesus calls people to repent of their sins and turn to God for forgiveness. This includes confessing our sins to God and seeking His mercy and grace.

  • Love for others: The Bible teaches that love for others is an important aspect of holiness. In 1 John 4:7-8, it says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse teaches that love is an essential part of holiness, because it reflects the nature of God, who is love.

Conclusion on Holiness

Holiness is an important aspect of the Christian faith because it reflects the character and nature of God, and it helps us to grow closer to Him and become more like Him. By seeking to live a holy life, we can experience the fullness of God’s love and grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome sin and grow in their faith, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling life. Required of all disciples, holiness is a sign of being set apart for a special purpose, and a means of glorifying God. It is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, and it is something that every believer is called to cultivate and embody in their daily lives.

Resources for Further Study: