Holiness, as a concept and pursuit, is central to the Christian faith and is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. It signifies a state of being set apart for God, embodying purity, moral integrity, and spiritual wholeness. The call to holiness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing its importance as a goal for believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The call to holiness is first established in the Old Testament, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy. In Leviticus 11:44-45 , God declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This command underscores the distinctiveness of God's people, who are to reflect His character and live according to His statutes.

The concept of holiness is also tied to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites were chosen to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), set apart to serve and worship God. The sacrificial system, laws, and rituals outlined in the Torah were designed to maintain this holiness and facilitate communion with God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the call to holiness is reiterated and expanded through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies perfect holiness, serving as the ultimate example for believers. His sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for believers to be sanctified and reconciled to God.

The Apostle Peter echoes the Old Testament call in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "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 exhortation highlights the continuity of God's call to holiness across both covenants.

The Apostle Paul further emphasizes holiness as a goal in the life of a believer. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7 , he writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." Paul frequently associates holiness with sanctification, the process by which believers are gradually conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:29).

Practical Implications

Holiness as a goal involves both divine initiative and human responsibility. Believers are called to actively pursue holiness by living in obedience to God's Word, resisting sin, and cultivating a life of prayer and worship. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

The pursuit of holiness also entails a transformation of character and conduct. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues reflect the holy character of God and are to be evident in the lives of believers.

Eschatological Hope

The goal of holiness is ultimately eschatological, pointing to the future consummation of God's kingdom. In 1 John 3:2-3 , the apostle John writes, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

This hope motivates believers to strive for holiness in the present, anticipating the day when they will be fully sanctified and dwell in the presence of God eternally.