Bible Daily

Understanding Holiness in the Bible

What is Holiness According to the Bible?

Holiness is an attribute of God that signifies His absolute purity, righteousness, and separation from all that is sinful. It's a divine quality that humans are called to emulate, though it remains an abstract concept due to its divine origin. Holiness is not just about being good; it's about being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character in every aspect of life.

The Nature of Holiness

Holiness in the Bible is often associated with God's intrinsic nature. It's described as:

  • Perfection: God is perfect in all His ways, and His holiness is the epitome of this perfection.
  • Sanctification: Being set apart for sacred use, which is why God's chosen people were to be a holy nation, demonstrating His holiness to the world.
  • Opposite of Sin: Holiness is the antithesis of sin, representing goodness, love, and wisdom.

Biblical References to Holiness

The Bible provides numerous insights into holiness:

  • Leviticus 11:44: "For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy."
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:7: "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness."

God's Holiness in Scripture

God's holiness is vividly portrayed in various biblical accounts:

  • Isaiah's Vision: Isaiah saw God's holiness in a vision where even the seraphim covered their faces in His presence, proclaiming His holiness (Isaiah 6:1-4).
  • Moses: After speaking with God, Moses' face shone with a radiant light, reflecting God's holiness (Exodus 34:29-30).

The Holy of Holies

The Temple of Solomon had a section known as the Holy of Holies, symbolizing the presence of God's holiness:

  • Hebrews 9:3-5: Describes the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, covered by the mercy seat, where God's Spirit would dwell.

Characteristics of a Holy Person

Jesus Christ, the epitome of holiness, exhibited traits that believers are encouraged to emulate:

  • Faithfulness (Hebrews 3:2)
  • Righteousness (Hebrews 1:9)
  • Humility (Philippians 2:8)
  • Innocence (Hebrews 7:26)
  • Honesty (John 1:47)
  • Obedience (Philippians 2:8)

Growing in Holiness

Believers grow in holiness through:

  • Relationship with God: Through prayer, scripture study, and fellowship.
  • Sanctification: The process by which the Holy Spirit transforms believers to reflect God's holiness more fully.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Holiness is a journey of becoming more like Christ, requiring effort, humility, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It's a lifelong pursuit that culminates in eternal fellowship with God, where believers will be fully sanctified and holy as He is holy.