Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Holy

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The concept of holiness is central to the identity and character of saints in the Christian faith. Holiness, derived from the Hebrew word "qadosh" and the Greek word "hagios," signifies being set apart, sacred, and morally pure. In the biblical context, holiness is an attribute of God and a calling for His people.

Divine Holiness as the Standard

The holiness of God is the ultimate standard for the holiness of His saints. In Leviticus 19:2, God 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 reiterated in the New Testament, where 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.'"

Holiness as a Calling and Identity

Saints are called to be holy, reflecting their identity as God's chosen people. Ephesians 1:4 declares, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This calling is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation that aligns believers with God's character.

Sanctification: The Process of Becoming Holy

The process of becoming holy, known as sanctification, is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 emphasizes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." Sanctification involves both divine initiative and human responsibility, as believers are called to actively pursue holiness.

Holiness in Conduct and Lifestyle

The character of saints as holy is evident in their conduct and lifestyle. Romans 12:1 urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This sacrificial living is a demonstration of holiness in everyday actions and decisions.

Holiness and Separation from Sin

Holiness necessitates a separation from sin and the ways of the world. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 instructs, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." This separation is not isolation but a distinctiveness that reflects God's purity and righteousness.

The Role of Holiness in Witness

The holiness of saints serves as a powerful witness to the world. Matthew 5:16 encourages, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The holy character of believers draws others to God, showcasing the transformative power of His grace.

Eternal Holiness

The ultimate fulfillment of holiness for the saints is realized in eternity. Revelation 21:27 assures, "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." The promise of eternal holiness is the culmination of the believer's journey, where they will dwell in the presence of God, fully sanctified and glorified.

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Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are an holy people to the LORD your God: the LORD your God has chosen you to be a special people to himself, above all people that are on the face of the earth.
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Deuteronomy 14:2
For you are an holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a peculiar people to himself, above all the nations that are on the earth.
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Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;
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Library

Saints and Faithful
... that He writes is the likeness of His own character. ... type of ascetic piety in order
to be called saints. ... to rise to the highest summits of holy conformity with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... have had a direct revelation by the Holy Spirit that they ... and clear revelation of
their being saints, and no ... with the Bible description of the character of the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Other than in the Old.
... They assume a higher character when they receive the prophetic ... upon the individual
souls of the saints of the ... clear the word of John, that the Holy Spirit was ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the holy spirit in.htm

God and his Saints
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... to ourselves, and true to our Lord, and true to the
relation between us, the purity of character, which is ... 'All His saints are in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/god and his saints.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... when character and conduct are at a low ebb, praying can but barely live, much less ...
Between praying saints and non-praying men, in Holy Scripture, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... XXXV. The Character of the New Testament Scripture. Tenth Chapter. ... XXI. The Love
of the Holy Spirit in Us. XXII. ... XXV. The Communion of Saints. XXVI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/

The Third vision "In Heaven"
... It was the special character of saints under the ... 34:9. But the words here probably
include Gentiles (as distinct from Israel, who, as the "holy nation," are ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the third vision in heaven.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... The Holy Spirit will give to the praying saint ... Testament history is filled with accounts
of praying saints. ... a paradox when we examine his religious character. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

The Sin against the Holy Ghost.
... and no man may ever rob it of that character. ... souls on their guard; the souls of
the saints, lest they ... of the people who, ministering in the holy mysteries of ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii the sin against the.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... the ardour nor the beauty, nor the power of saints. ... Holy men have, in the past, changed
the whole force of affairs, revolutionised character and country ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm