Holiness in community is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the call for God's people to live set apart, not only as individuals but collectively as a body. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of communal sanctity and the pursuit of righteousness within the fellowship of believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding holiness in community. The nation of Israel was chosen by God to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This calling was not merely individual but corporate, as the Israelites were to reflect God's holiness through their communal life, laws, and worship practices. 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 directive underscores the collective responsibility of the community to embody holiness.

The communal aspect of holiness is further illustrated in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 are directed at the nation as a whole, indicating that the community's faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God's commands would result in collective consequences. The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to repentance, urging them to return to a holy way of life as a community (e.g., Isaiah 1:16-17, Jeremiah 7:3-7).

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the concept of holiness in community is expanded and deepened through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession." This echoes the Old Testament language and highlights the continuity of God's call for a holy community.

The early church exemplified communal holiness through their shared life and practices. Acts 2:42-47 describes the believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their unity and mutual care were expressions of their collective holiness, attracting others to the faith.

Paul's epistles frequently address the communal aspect of holiness. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, he writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple." Here, the "you" is plural, emphasizing the corporate nature of the church as God's holy temple.

Practical Implications

Holiness in community involves mutual accountability, encouragement, and edification. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and not to forsake assembling together. This communal gathering is essential for maintaining holiness, as believers support and challenge each other to live according to God's standards.

The pursuit of holiness in community also requires addressing sin within the body. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for church discipline, emphasizing the need for communal purity and restoration. Similarly, Galatians 6:1 encourages believers to restore those caught in sin gently, highlighting the balance of holiness and grace within the community.

Conclusion

Holiness in community is a biblical mandate that calls for the collective pursuit of righteousness among God's people. From the nation of Israel to the New Testament church, the Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of living as a holy community, reflecting God's character to the world.