The Bible has a lot to say about holiness, as it is a key theme throughout Scripture. At its essence, biblical holiness refers to being set apart and consecrated for God’s purposes. Holiness is primarily rooted in who God is, as He is perfectly holy and calls His people to reflect His holy character.
Some key things the Bible teaches about holiness include:
God Is Holy
God’s holiness is emphasized frequently throughout Scripture. Passages like Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8 describe the angels surrounding God’s throne and crying out “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” God’s holiness speaks to His “otherness” and perfection. He is completely set apart from sin and impurity (Habakkuk 1:13). Everything about God is holy – His character, words, dwelling place and more. As 1 Samuel 2:2 states, “There is no one holy like the Lord.”
God Calls His People to Be Holy
Because God is holy, He calls His people to lives of holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “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 is expected of God’s people. We are called to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1) and bear good fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8). Our lives should look strikingly different from the world because of our relationship with a holy God.
Holiness Involves Separation from Sin
An important aspect of holiness is separation from sin. God is completely holy, meaning He is untouched by any impurity or sin. For us to reflect His character, we must resist sin and temptation. Romans 6:1-2 asks, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” As children of God, we are empowered by the Spirit to overcome sin.
Holiness Leads to Deeper Intimacy with God
Pursuing holiness is more than just avoiding sin. It is part of fostering intimacy with God. Hebrews 12:14 tells us to “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” As we choose obedience and purity, we draw nearer to God’s presence. A holy life opens the door to deeper communion with the Lord.
Holiness Encompasses All Areas of Life
Holiness is meant to touch every part of a believer’s life. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 instructs us to avoid sexual immorality and “learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” Work, home, church and recreation activities are all to reflect the holiness of God. As stewards of the Lord’s resources and gifts, we honor Him by using them for righteous purposes.
The Holy Spirit Empowers Holiness
On our own, no one can live a holy life that pleases God. We need the power and help of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and reflect Christlikeness. The Spirit works in us to purify our hearts, produce holy fruit and empower us to choose obedience over sin (Galatians 5:16-25). Yielding to the Spirit is essential for growth in holiness.
Jesus Christ Is Our Model of Holiness
Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience to the Father and sinless living. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet was without sin. Through Christ’s finished work on the cross, our sins are forgiven and we can be made righteous before God. As we walk closely with Jesus, His life and power enable holiness.
Holiness Prepares Us for Eternity with God
Our pursuit of holiness has both present and future importance. Currently, it enables deeper fellowship with God. But Hebrews 12:14 also tells us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. A holy life prepares us for spending eternity in the presence of a holy God. Heaven will be characterized by absolute purity, with no place for sin. Our earthly quest for holiness anticipates that perfect state.
God Disciplines Those He Loves to Develop Holiness
Because God desires holiness for His children, He disciplines us to foster growth in godliness. Hebrews 12:10 says, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” His loving corrections lead us to turn from sin and cling more closely to Him. They produce a “harvest of righteousness and peace” (Hebrews 12:11).
We Are Empowered for Holiness through Christ
Some key verses that describe how believers are empowered for holiness through their union with Christ include:
– 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
– Romans 6:11 – “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
– Ephesians 4:24 – “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
– Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.”
– 2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are freed from sin’s power and able to walk in newness of life and holiness. Our union with Him enables victory over sin.
Holiness Leads to a Life of Love
Becoming like Christ involves expressing His love. 1 John 3:2-3 tells us, “when Christ appears, we shall be like him… And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” As we fix our hope on Jesus, we are motivated to greater holiness out of love for God and others. We reflect the light of Christ through righteous living and kindness.
Examples of Holy Men and Women
Throughout the Bible, we find stories of faithful people who pursued holiness:
– Daniel (Daniel 1) – Refused to defile himself with royal food and wine. Trusted God while facing persecution for not worshipping idols.
– Joseph (Genesis 39) – Resisted sexual temptation from Potiphar’s wife. Remained pure in his conduct.
– Ruth (Book of Ruth) – Her love and loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi demonstrated righteousness. She was devoted to the Lord.
– Mary (Luke 1) – Chosen by God to carry the Savior due to her pure character. Submitted humbly to God’s plan.
– John the Baptist (Luke 3) – Lived a remarkably simple life focused on preparing the way for Christ. Called people to repentance.
– Paul (2 Timothy 4) – Pursued holiness through self-control and discipline. Finished the race well in godly service to Christ.
These positive examples inspire us to pursue greater holiness as we fix our eyes on Jesus.
Practical Steps for Growing in Holiness
Here are some practical biblical steps believers can take to grow in holiness:
– Study God’s Word regularly. Scripture nourishes holiness as we renew our minds with God’s truth (Psalm 119:9-11).
– Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to overcome temptation and produce His fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).
– Pursue accountability from other believers. Confess sins regularly and ask others to help you stay on the path of righteousness (James 5:16).
– Be vigilant about what you set before your eyes and mind. Avoid temptation and influences that may pollute your holiness (Psalm 101:3).
– Associate with wise believers seeking the Lord. Let iron sharpen iron as you mutually build each other up in righteousness (Proverbs 27:17).
– Embrace the spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, simplicity, service, solitude. These can strengthen your walk with Christ.
– Examine your heart. Confess and repent of any sins God reveals. Turn to Him to be refined and purified (Psalm 139:23-24).
As you diligently pursue holiness, remember to rest in the finished work of Jesus. His grace empowers you to become more like Him. God is pleased by the steps you take toward Christlikeness, even amid stumbles.
Holiness Is a Lifelong Journey
It’s important to understand that the pursuit of holiness is a lifelong process. We will never achieve sinless perfection on earth. Sanctification occurs gradually as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. There will be highs and lows, failures and successes as we seek to walk in holiness. By God’s grace, the trajectory of our lives should reflect increasing Christlikeness with each passing year. The Lord isn’t looking for perfection, but steady progress in holiness.
Philippians 2:12-13 provides valuable perspective: “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Our part is to work hard in pursuing holiness. But God produces the actual fruit through His Spirit at work in us. Holiness is His gift of grace.
Holiness Results in Blessing for God’s People
The Bible promises that pursuing holiness leads to great blessings for God’s people, both now and in eternity.
Here are some examples:
– Nearness to God: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:15–16)
– Purpose and meaning: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
– Wisdom and understanding: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
– Joy: “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.” (Psalm 119:2)
– Reward in heaven: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
As we pursue holiness, we experience the abundant life Christ promised His followers. Walking in holiness allows us to increasingly reflect God’s glory and live out His purposes here on earth.
Holiness Should Be Reflected in the Church
Not only should individual believers pursue holiness, but the church as a whole is called to live differently from the world. 1 Peter 2:9 describes the church as “a holy nation.” The practices, teachings and leadership of a church should encourage holiness among members. Paul instructs churches to discipline those engaging in unrepentant sin, so that the body of Christ will not be polluted (1 Corinthians 5). Local churches play a key role in fostering holiness in the lives of believers.
We Are Called to Be Holy as God Is Holy
1 Peter 1:16 summarizes it well: “for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'”
As children of God who have been saved by grace, we are called to reflect the holy nature of our Heavenly Father. By turning from sin and yielding ourselves to the Spirit’s work in our lives, we can grow in sanctification day by day. Our motivation is reverence for God and a desire for His glory to be seen through us (1 Corinthians 10:31). We pursue holiness because God is holy – and He is at work within us to reproduce His holy image in our lives.
Holiness Should Be a Priority for All Believers
The biblical call to holiness applies to every Christian, regardless of age, background, or maturity level. We all have room to grow in reflecting God’s character. No one can claim to have “arrived” spiritually or remain complacent about sin. Throughout our lives, we must prioritize:
– Understanding what God says about holiness and pleasing Him above all else
– Examining our hearts and motivations, confessing any areas not aligned with God’s truth
– Relying on the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome temptation and produce spiritual fruit
– Pursuing spiritual disciplines that position our hearts to encounter Jesus
– Teaching and encouraging other believers in their pursuit of holiness
– Living differently than the world as a light and witness for Christ
The lifelong path of holiness begins at conversion, but continues steadily as we increasingly live out our new identity in Christ. We all have room to grow in holiness through God’s amazing grace.