Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature of God and His expectations for His people. The concept of holiness is deeply rooted in the Hebrew word "qadosh," which means "set apart" or "sacred." In the New Testament, the Greek word "hagios" carries a similar meaning. Holiness involves both moral purity and a distinct separation from the common or profane.

God's Holiness

The Bible consistently emphasizes the holiness of God. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration underscores the absolute and unparalleled holiness of God. God's holiness is intrinsic to His character, setting Him apart from all creation. In 1 Samuel 2:2, it is declared, "There is no one holy like the LORD."

Holiness of God's People

God calls His people to be holy as He is holy. In Leviticus 19:2, the LORD commands Moses to speak to the Israelites, saying, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are exhorted, "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 for God's people involves both a positional and practical aspect. Positionally, believers are set apart for God through faith in Jesus Christ. Practically, they are called to live lives that reflect God's moral purity and righteousness. This involves a conscious effort to avoid sin and to pursue godliness.

Set-Apartness in Worship and Conduct

The concept of being set apart extends to worship and daily conduct. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given specific laws and rituals to distinguish them from other nations. These included dietary laws, ceremonial cleanliness, and the observance of the Sabbath. In the New Testament, the focus shifts to the inner transformation of the believer. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's sanctification, the process of becoming holy. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8, Paul writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives, convicting them of sin and guiding them in truth.

Holiness in the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be holy and set apart. 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 radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." The church is to reflect God's holiness in its teachings, practices, and community life.

Eschatological Holiness

The Bible also speaks of an eschatological aspect of holiness, where believers will be fully sanctified in the presence of God. In Revelation 21:27, it is stated that nothing impure will enter the New Jerusalem, "but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." This future hope motivates believers to pursue holiness in the present age.

Holiness and set-apartness are foundational to understanding the relationship between God and His people. They encompass God's nature, His expectations for His followers, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.