How does 1 Thessalonians 4:7 define "holiness"? Text of 1 Thessalonians 4:7 “For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” Immediate Context Verses 3–8 address sexual immorality in pagan Thessalonica. Paul frames holiness (hagiasmos) as the antithesis of porneia (“sexual impurity,” v. 3). The call is therefore practical, not abstract: believers must “possess his own vessel in holiness and honor” (v. 4) and “not transgress or defraud his brother” (v. 6). Holiness is the divinely mandated lifestyle that visibly separates believers from surrounding societal practices. Negative Definition: “Not Impurity” Paul defines by contrast. The Greek ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia) is moral filth, often linked to idolatrous sexuality (Romans 1:24; Ephesians 4:19). Holiness, therefore, is the complete renunciation of anything that desecrates God’s image in humanity. Positive Definition: Consecration to God Holiness is a vocation (“God has called us”). The verb καλέω (kaleō) echoes God’s efficacious summons (Romans 8:30). To be holy is to step into the sphere of divine ownership, governed by the Spirit, reflecting God’s character (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15–16). Moral Purity in Focus In Thessalonica, archaeological digs reveal votive inscriptions to Cabirus and Dionysus praising ritual promiscuity. Paul’s directive counters this cultural norm. Holiness, then, entails sexual integrity, marital fidelity, and honoring others’ bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Holiness and the Work of the Holy Spirit Verse 8 ties holiness to the Spirit God “has given.” The Spirit effects (2 Thessalonians 2:13), empowers (Romans 8:13), and authenticates (Ephesians 1:13–14) the believer’s sanctification. Thus holiness is impossible without regeneration and indwelling power. Holiness Within Pauline Theology • Positional: “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2). • Progressive: “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Eschatological: “May He sanctify you wholly…at the coming of our Lord Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Old Testament Roots The Septuagint uses hagiasmos for the Nazirites’ consecration (Numbers 6:5). Paul adopts identical language, showing continuity: God’s covenant people were always meant to exhibit His holiness amid the nations (Exodus 19:6). Purpose of Salvation Ephesians 1:4 declares believers were chosen “to be holy and blameless.” The resurrection completes this purpose by breaking sin’s dominion (Romans 6:4). Holiness is therefore inseparable from gospel core. Patristic Witness • Clement of Rome (1 Clem 38) urges believers to “be spotless in holiness.” • Polycarp (Phil. 5) admonishes: “Abstain from every form of evil.” Early church consensus sees holiness as indispensable evidence of true faith. Eschatological Motivation 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 immediately follows, describing Christ’s return. Holiness prepares the church as a spotless bride (Revelation 19:7-8). Anticipation of resurrection fuels present sanctification. Communal Dimension Holiness is not private pietism. Verse 6 warns against defrauding “a brother,” indicating social ethics. Paul elsewhere stresses corporate sanctification (Ephesians 5:25-27). The church models alternate society under Christ’s lordship. Creation and Holiness Scripture opens with a “very good” creation (Genesis 1:31) and closes with a holy city (Revelation 21:2). Holiness restores humanity to its original design, reflecting intelligent design’s teleology: life functions optimally when aligned with the Creator’s moral architecture. Worship Expression Holiness undergirds acceptable worship (Hebrews 12:28). It shapes liturgy, music, and sacramental life, ensuring they echo God’s character rather than cultural trends. Summary 1 Thessalonians 4:7 defines holiness as the divinely initiated, Spirit-empowered state and pursuit of being set apart from impurity to exclusive devotion and moral purity, lived out in personal conduct, communal relationships, and expectant hope of Christ’s return. |
    |