Topical Encyclopedia
The designation of Christ as the "Holy One" is a profound affirmation of His divine nature and His unique role in the redemptive history of humanity. This title underscores the sinless perfection and the divine essence of Jesus Christ, aligning Him with the holiness attributed to God throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament FoundationsThe concept of holiness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God is frequently referred to as the "Holy One of Israel." This title emphasizes God's absolute purity, separateness from sin, and His covenantal relationship with His people. In
Isaiah 43:15, God declares, "I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King." This establishes a foundational understanding of holiness as an intrinsic attribute of God.
New Testament RevelationIn the New Testament, the title "Holy One" is explicitly applied to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine identity. In the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus confronts an unclean spirit, the spirit cries out, "What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!" (
Mark 1:24). This acknowledgment by a demonic entity highlights the recognition of Christ's divine authority and holiness even by the spiritual realm.
The Apostle Peter also affirms Jesus as the Holy One in his sermon at Pentecost, referencing
Psalm 16:10: "For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay" (
Acts 2:27). Peter interprets this prophecy as fulfilled in Christ, whose resurrection from the dead confirms His identity as the Holy One who conquers death.
Christ's Sinless NatureThe holiness of Christ is further evidenced by His sinless life. The author of Hebrews writes, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin" (
Hebrews 4:15). This sinlessness is a testament to His divine nature, setting Him apart as the perfect sacrifice for the atonement of humanity's sins.
The Holy One in EschatologyIn the book of Revelation, the holiness of Christ is again emphasized in the context of His ultimate victory and reign.
Revelation 3:7 describes Him as "the One who is holy and true," underscoring His role as the righteous judge and sovereign King. This eschatological vision affirms that Christ, as the Holy One, will bring about the consummation of God's redemptive plan.
Implications for BelieversThe recognition of Christ as the Holy One has profound implications for believers. It calls for a response of worship, reverence, and a commitment to holiness in one's own life. As the Apostle Peter exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do" (
1 Peter 1:15). The holiness of Christ serves as both a model and a source of empowerment for believers to live lives that reflect His purity and righteousness.
In summary, the title "Holy One" ascribed to Christ is a powerful declaration of His divine nature, His sinless life, and His ultimate authority. It is a central tenet of Christian faith that affirms Jesus Christ as God, worthy of worship and adoration.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside you: neither is there any rock like our God.
Torrey's Topical TextbookActs 3:14
But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted to you;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... "Right faith is a thing wrought in us by the
Holy Spirit" (Wm.
... what a mistake to
take our belief in
God and call of
... Christ, the living word, is our sufficiency
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k2424. Iesous -- Jesus or Joshua, the name of the Messiah, also ...
... of God (Mt 1:21,25, see also Lk 1:31) -- the Christ, the divine Messiah (the second
Person of the holy Trinity). [Christ (His ) means "the Anointed One" (the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2424.htm - 7k
Library
Holy in Christ
... Twenty-second Day. In Christ our Sanctification. ... Holiness and the Will of God.
Twenty-seventh Day. ... The Unction from the Holy One. Thirty-first Day. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/
Athanasian Creed
... Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits ... is that
we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the athanasian creed /athanasian creed.htm
Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... [1072] Now Christ was delivered ... Sheol, and revived and rose the third day, and so
God abode for ... And again David said:"Thou didst not give Thy holy one to see ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm
My Creed Leads Me to Think that Prayer is Efficacious...
... the power of prayer is the strong one, the holy one in Christ's ... He does the most
for God who is the highest ... Jesus Christ exercised His ministry after this order ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter i my creed leads.htm
The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... he who had been warned by the Holy Spirit that he ... commotion in Jerusalem ceased,
glorifying the Lord God, who had ... them that fear our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm
Have but one Eucharist, Etc.
... therefore, as "a peculiar people, and a holy nation," [906] to perform all things
with harmony in Christ. ... to your husbands in the fear of God; [907] and ye ...
/.../chapter iv have but one eucharist.htm
What is Sanctification?
... settle you;" and that at the coming of Christ "ye may ... God grant that we all may
"walk in the light as ... and abide in this "unction from the Holy One," that the ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter i what is sanctification.htm
Of the Holy Spirit and the Mystery of the Trinity.
... Gift of God, so that we may believe God not to ... by this position, namely, to predicate
the Holy Spirit neither as ... like the Son, of the Father; for Christ is the ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 9 of the holy spirit.htm
Introduction
... the wonderful teaching of the Cross) to God, the All-Holy One, Who comes ... understanding
of the Atonement: (1) The oneness of Christ both with God and with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/introduction.htm
The Work of the Holy Spirit
... Sanctification and Justification (Continued). V. Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving.
VI. Christ Our Sanctification. VII. ... XIII. The Work of God in Our Work. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/
Resources
Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference in meaning between Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
