Holiness

Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God and His expectations for His people. The term "holy" (Hebrew: קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh; Greek: ἅγιος, hagios) signifies being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. Holiness is intrinsic to God's nature, as seen in Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."

God's holiness is the standard for His people. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, as 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 involves moral purity and ethical conduct, reflecting God's righteousness. It encompasses both personal and communal aspects, requiring individuals and the community to live in accordance with God's commandments. The pursuit of holiness is a transformative process, enabled by the Holy Spirit, as believers are sanctified and conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

The sacrificial system in the Old Testament underscores the importance of holiness, as offerings were made to atone for sin and maintain the sanctity of the people and the tabernacle. The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ, the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfills the requirements of holiness, as Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Defilement

Defilement, in contrast to holiness, refers to the state of being unclean or impure, often resulting from sin or contact with unclean things. In the Old Testament, defilement could occur through various means, including dietary violations, contact with dead bodies, or moral transgressions. Leviticus 11-15 outlines numerous laws regarding ceremonial cleanliness and defilement, emphasizing the need for purification to approach God.

Defilement is not merely a physical condition but also a spiritual one. Sin defiles the heart and separates individuals from God. Isaiah 59:2 declares, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."

The New Testament expands on the concept of defilement, emphasizing the internal rather than external sources. Jesus teaches in Mark 7:20-23, "What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man."

The remedy for defilement is found in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who cleanses believers from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Through Christ's atoning work, believers are made holy and are called to live lives that reflect their purified status, avoiding defilement and pursuing righteousness.