Holiness, a central theme in the Bible, refers to the state of being set apart for God's purposes and is intrinsically linked to His nature. The concept of holiness in contact explores how holiness interacts with the world, individuals, and the community of believers. This entry examines the biblical understanding of holiness, its implications for personal conduct, and its communal aspects.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents God as the epitome of holiness. 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 purity and separateness of God. Holiness is not merely an attribute of God but the essence of His being.

In the Old Testament, holiness is often associated with the tabernacle, the temple, and the priesthood. 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 a directive for the Israelites to reflect God's character in their lives.

Holiness in Personal Conduct

Holiness in contact with the world requires believers to live lives that reflect God's purity and righteousness. The New Testament reiterates this call. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it is written, "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 underscores the expectation for Christians to embody holiness in their daily actions and decisions.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the practical outworking of holiness. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, he states, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." This call to holiness involves a rejection of sinful behaviors and a commitment to living according to God's standards.

Holiness in Community

Holiness is not only an individual pursuit but also a communal one. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's relationship with the church, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, 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 communal aspect of holiness is further emphasized in the practice of church discipline and mutual edification. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, Paul warns, "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Here, the purity of the community is maintained through the removal of sin and the encouragement of righteous living.

Holiness and the World

The interaction of holiness with the world is a delicate balance. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it. Jesus, in His prayer for His disciples, says in John 17:15-17, "I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." This prayer highlights the need for believers to remain distinct from worldly influences while engaging with the world through the truth of God's Word.

Holiness in contact with the world also involves being a witness to God's transformative power. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This passage calls believers to live visibly holy lives that draw others to God.

Conclusion

Holiness in contact is a dynamic and multifaceted concept that encompasses personal purity, communal integrity, and engagement with the world. It is a call to reflect God's holiness in every aspect of life, serving as a testament to His transformative power and a beacon of His truth in a fallen world.