What is Holiness?

Holiness is a fundamental concept in Christian theology that refers to the purity, separateness, and moral perfection of God, as well as the call for believers to be set apart and dedicated to God’s purposes. Holiness is both an attribute of God and a quality that He desires to see reflected in the lives of His people. In the Bible, holiness is often associated with God’s nature and His standards for how His people should live.

Historical Context and Development

Old Testament Understanding of Holiness

In the Old Testament, the concept of holiness is primarily associated with God Himself. The Hebrew word for holy, qadosh, conveys the idea of being set apart, distinct, or consecrated. God is frequently described as holy, emphasizing His transcendence, purity, and moral perfection. This is notably expressed in Isaiah’s vision of God:

| “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
| —Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

Holiness is also a key theme in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites are called to be a holy nation set apart for God:

| “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.'”
| —Leviticus 19:2 (NIV)

The Law provided detailed instructions on how the Israelites were to live in ways that reflected God’s holiness, including regulations for worship, moral conduct, and ritual purity.

Holiness in the New Testament

The New Testament continues the emphasis on holiness, particularly in the life and teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles. Jesus’ call to holiness extends beyond external observance of the law to the inward transformation of the heart:

| “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
| —Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes holiness as essential for Christian living. He calls believers to live lives that are distinct from the world, reflecting the character of God:

| “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
| —1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (NIV)

Paul’s letters often link holiness with the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, who empowers them to live in accordance with God’s will.

Theological Developments

The doctrine of holiness has been central to Christian thought throughout history, influencing various theological traditions and movements.

Early Church and Monasticism

In the early Church, holiness was often associated with the concept of sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. This emphasis on personal holiness led to the development of monasticism, where individuals sought to live lives of purity and devotion to God through prayer, fasting, and ascetic practices.

The Reformation and Holiness Movements

During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized holiness as a result of justification by faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Calvin, in particular, highlighted the doctrine of sanctification as a necessary consequence of being united with Christ.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Wesleyan-Holiness movement, led by John Wesley, further emphasized the pursuit of holiness as an essential aspect of Christian life. Wesley taught that sanctification, or “Christian perfection,” was a second work of grace, enabling believers to live holy lives free from the power of sin.

Biblical Foundations

God’s Holiness

The Bible consistently presents God as the epitome of holiness. His holiness is foundational to His character, setting Him apart from all creation. This theme is pervasive in Scripture, from the holiness of God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) to the worship of God in the heavenly throne room (Revelation 4:8).

The Call to Holiness

God’s people are repeatedly called to reflect His holiness in their lives. This call is expressed in both the Old and New Testaments:

| “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.’”
| —1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This passage from 1 Peter echoes Leviticus, showing the continuity of the call to holiness across the covenants. Holiness involves both moral purity and being set apart for God’s purposes.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The New Testament emphasizes that holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sanctifies believers, transforming them into the image of Christ:

| “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
| —1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)

The process of sanctification is ongoing, as believers grow in holiness through the Spirit’s work in their lives.

Theological Implications

Holiness and Sanctification

Sanctification is the theological term for the process of becoming holy. It is a work of God’s grace, but it also requires the active participation of the believer. The concept of sanctification is closely linked to holiness, as it involves the gradual transformation of the believer’s character to reflect God’s holiness.

In Reformed theology, sanctification is seen as a lifelong process that begins at conversion and continues until glorification. The Wesleyan tradition, on the other hand, emphasizes the possibility of entire sanctification, a state of perfect love and purity achieved through a second work of grace.

Holiness and Christian Ethics

Holiness has significant implications for Christian ethics, as it calls believers to live in a manner that reflects God’s character. This includes moral purity, integrity, and love for others. Holiness also involves separation from sin and the things of the world that are contrary to God’s will.

The call to holiness challenges Christians to examine their lives and to align their actions, thoughts, and desires with God’s standards. It also encourages a lifestyle of devotion, prayer, and obedience to God’s commandments.

Holiness and the Church

The Church is called to be a holy community, set apart for God’s purposes. This involves both the corporate holiness of the Church as a body and the personal holiness of its members. The Church’s witness to the world depends on its commitment to holiness, as it reflects the character of God to those around it.

Holiness is also essential for the unity of the Church, as it involves living in love and harmony with other believers. The pursuit of holiness helps to build a community that is marked by peace, purity, and mutual edification.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Personal Holiness

For today’s Christians, the call to personal holiness remains as relevant as ever. In a culture that often promotes moral relativism and self-indulgence, the biblical call to holiness stands as a countercultural witness to the transformative power of the gospel.

Believers are called to pursue holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their relationships, work, and personal conduct. This involves both avoiding sin and actively seeking to grow in virtue and Christlikeness.

Holiness in the Community

Holiness is not just an individual pursuit but a communal one. Christians are called to encourage one another in the pursuit of holiness and to hold each other accountable to God’s standards. This is reflected in the biblical instruction to exhort one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The Church, as a community of believers, is called to be a holy people, distinct from the world and dedicated to God’s mission. This involves both the moral integrity of the Church and its commitment to living out the values of the kingdom of God.

Holiness and Mission

Holiness is also essential for the Church’s mission in the world. A holy Church is a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel, as it demonstrates the reality of God’s transformative grace. Holiness attracts others to Christ, as it reflects the beauty and goodness of God’s character.

The pursuit of holiness is therefore not just for the sake of personal piety but for the sake of the Church’s witness and mission. As believers grow in holiness, they are better equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and to make disciples of all nations.

Conclusion: Connection to God’s Love and Jesus Christ

Holiness is ultimately about reflecting the character of God, who is holy, pure, and perfect in love. The call to holiness is a call to be like God, to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodies God’s holiness and provides the model for how believers are to live.

Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus not only demonstrates what holiness looks like but also makes it possible for believers to be holy. His atoning sacrifice cleanses believers from sin, and His resurrection life empowers them to live in holiness through the Holy Spirit.

The pursuit of holiness is, therefore, a response to God’s love and grace. It is an expression of gratitude for what God has done in Christ and a desire to live in a way that honors Him. As believers grow in holiness, they become more fully the people God created them to be, reflecting His love and glory to the world.

Holiness is not just an abstract theological concept but a lived reality that touches every aspect of life. It is the calling of every Christian, and it is essential for the Church’s witness to the world. As believers pursue holiness, they participate in the life of God and bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.