Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology The concept of holiness in the Bible is derived from the Hebrew word "qadosh" and the Greek word "hagios," both of which mean "set apart" or "sacred." Holiness is a fundamental attribute of God and a calling for His people. It signifies purity, moral integrity, and separation from sin and the profane. Biblical Foundation Holiness is first and foremost an attribute of God. In Leviticus 11:44, God declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "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 of God God's holiness is absolute and intrinsic to His nature. Isaiah 6:3 captures the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the perfection and completeness of God's holiness. God's holiness is also evident in His actions and judgments, as seen in Psalm 99:9: "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy." Holiness of Believers Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives. This involves a transformation that begins with salvation and continues through sanctification. Romans 12:1 urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation of the heart and mind. Practical Aspects of Holiness Being holy involves a conscious effort to live according to God's standards. This includes moral purity, ethical behavior, and a commitment to God's commandments. Ephesians 4:24 instructs believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Holiness also involves separation from worldly influences and sin, as 2 Corinthians 6:17 advises, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." Holiness and the Church The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be holy. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the Church, "to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." The Church's mission is to uphold and promote holiness among its members and in the world. Challenges to Holiness Believers face numerous challenges in their pursuit of holiness, including temptation, cultural pressures, and personal weaknesses. However, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome these obstacles. Galatians 5:16 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Holiness and the Future The ultimate fulfillment of holiness will be realized in the eschatological hope of believers. Revelation 21:27 assures that nothing impure will enter the New Jerusalem, "nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life." This future promise motivates believers to pursue holiness in the present. Conclusion Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His desire for His people. It is both a divine attribute and a human calling, requiring believers to live lives set apart for God's purposes. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to pursue holiness, reflecting God's character in a fallen world. Topical Bible Verses 1 Peter 1:15But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation; Topicalbible.org Hebrews 3:1 Greek 53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred ... 53 (an adjective, which may be cognate with 40 , "holy," so , 1, 122) -- properly, to ... spoilation even within (even down to the center of one's being); not with ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/53.htm - 7k 38. hagiasmos -- consecration, sanctification 5140. treis and tria -- three 4442. pur -- fire 1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent Library Pray for Me. How a Holy Man, Being in Prayer, Saw the Soul of Brother Giles ... How the Same Holy Man, Being Detained There by Sickness, by his ... These Things I Being Ignorant Of, Scoffed at those Thy Holy ... Gregory Further Shows that the Only-Begotten Being Begotten not ... The Deity of the Holy Spirit. Grace and Holiness. What is Hierarchy? and what the Use of Hierarchy? The Holy Spirit of Promise The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Resources What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.org How can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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