Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, representing the moral and spiritual purity that is characteristic of God and His people. It is a distinctive mark that sets apart the divine from the profane and the sacred from the common. The concept of holiness is deeply rooted in the nature of God and is reflected in His call for His people to be holy.

Divine Holiness

The holiness of God is foundational to understanding the biblical concept of holiness. God is described as inherently holy, meaning He is completely separate from sin and moral imperfection. 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 emphasizes the absolute holiness of God, underscoring His purity and majesty.

God's holiness is also evident in His actions and judgments. In Leviticus 11:44, God commands, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness is not merely a command but a reflection of God's own nature, inviting His people to share in His holiness.

Holiness of God's People

The call to holiness extends to the people of God, who are to reflect His character in their lives. In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes. Leviticus 19:2 instructs, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness was manifested through adherence to the Law, which provided guidelines for living a life pleasing to God.

In the New Testament, the call to holiness is reiterated for believers in Christ. 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.'" This passage highlights the continuity of the call to holiness from the Old to the New Covenant, emphasizing that holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation through the Holy Spirit.

Holiness in the Life of the Believer

Holiness in the life of a believer is both a positional and practical reality. Positionally, believers are made holy through their union with Christ. Hebrews 10:10 affirms, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This sanctification is a definitive act accomplished by Christ's atoning work on the cross.

Practically, believers are called to pursue holiness in their daily lives. This involves a process of sanctification, where the believer cooperates with the Holy Spirit to grow in Christlikeness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 exhorts, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This ongoing process requires diligence, discipline, and dependence on God's grace.

Holiness and the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community. 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 holiness is both a present reality and a future hope, as it awaits the consummation of all things in Christ.

Holiness is also a witness to the world. As the church embodies the holiness of God, it serves as a light in the darkness, drawing others to the transformative power of the gospel. Matthew 5:16 encourages believers, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

In summary, holiness is a distinctive mark of God and His people, reflecting His character and purposes. It is both a gift and a calling, a present reality and a future hope, as believers are transformed into the image of Christ and bear witness to His holiness in the world.