The concept of holiness in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the community of believers. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the community plays a crucial role in fostering, maintaining, and exemplifying holiness among its members. This entry explores the biblical foundations and implications of communal holiness.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is called to be a holy people, set apart for God. Leviticus 19:2 states, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" Here, holiness is not merely an individual pursuit but a collective mandate. The community is responsible for upholding God's laws and statutes, which are designed to maintain purity and righteousness among the people.

The communal aspect of holiness is further emphasized in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The covenant includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, affecting the entire community (Deuteronomy 28). The communal nature of holiness is evident in the practices of worship, sacrifice, and festivals, which are communal activities that reinforce the identity and sanctity of the people.

New Testament Developments

In the New Testament, the role of the community in holiness 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. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

The early church exemplified communal holiness through shared life and mutual accountability. Acts 2:42-47 describes the believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This communal life fostered an environment where holiness could thrive, as believers encouraged and exhorted one another in their faith.

Mutual Accountability and Discipline

The New Testament emphasizes the importance of mutual accountability within the community to maintain holiness. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, highlighting the responsibility of believers to correct and restore one another. Similarly, Galatians 6:1 instructs, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness."

Church discipline is another aspect of communal holiness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5, where Paul addresses immorality in the Corinthian church. The community is called to take action to preserve its holiness, demonstrating that individual sin can impact the entire body.

The Role of Spiritual Gifts

The distribution and exercise of spiritual gifts within the community also contribute to its holiness. Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that Christ gave various gifts to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ until all reach unity in faith and knowledge. These gifts are meant to edify the community, promoting spiritual growth and maturity, which are essential aspects of holiness.

Love and Unity as Expressions of Holiness

Love and unity are central to the community's role in holiness. Jesus' command in John 13:34-35 to "love one another" serves as a hallmark of discipleship and a reflection of divine holiness. The unity of believers, as prayed for by Jesus in John 17:21 , is a testament to the world of God's sanctifying work within the community.

In summary, the community of believers is integral to the pursuit and expression of holiness. Through mutual accountability, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and the practice of love and unity, the community serves as a vessel for God's sanctifying work, reflecting His holiness to the world.