Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God and His expectations for His people. The term "holiness" is derived from the Hebrew word "qodesh" and the Greek word "hagios," both of which convey the idea of being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. Holiness is intrinsic to God's nature, as seen in passages like Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."

In the Old Testament, God's holiness is foundational to His covenant relationship with Israel. 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 not merely about ritual purity but encompasses moral and ethical living, reflecting God's character in every aspect of life.

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing that believers are called to holiness through their relationship with Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "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 in the New Testament is closely associated with sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).

Holiness also involves separation from sin and dedication to God. Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," indicating that holiness affects both inner attitudes and outward actions. The pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey, empowered by God's grace and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Ownership

Ownership in the biblical context often relates to God's sovereignty and His rightful claim over creation and His people. The concept of ownership is first introduced in Genesis 1:1, where God is depicted as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, establishing His ownership over all creation. Psalm 24:1 affirms this, stating, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein."

In the Old Testament, God's ownership is also evident in His covenant relationship with Israel. Deuteronomy 7:6 declares, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth." This ownership implies a special relationship, where God provides, protects, and expects loyalty and obedience from His people.

The New Testament expands on the theme of ownership through the redemptive work of Christ. Believers are described as being bought with a price, indicating God's ownership through the sacrificial death of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Ownership also involves stewardship, where humans are entrusted with the care and management of God's creation. Genesis 1:28 gives humanity the mandate to "fill the earth and subdue it," highlighting the responsibility that comes with God's ownership. Believers are called to be faithful stewards of the resources, talents, and opportunities God has entrusted to them, recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to Him.

In summary, holiness and ownership are intertwined themes in Scripture, reflecting God's nature and His relationship with His creation and His people. Holiness calls for a life set apart for God, while ownership emphasizes God's sovereign claim and the responsibility of stewardship entrusted to humanity.