Topical Encyclopedia Holiness is a central theme in the Christian faith, reflecting the nature of God and His call for His people to be set apart for His purposes. In the context of the Church, holiness is both a divine attribute and a mandate for believers, shaping their identity and mission in the world.Biblical Foundation The concept of holiness is deeply rooted in Scripture, where God is repeatedly described as holy. 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 underscores the absolute purity and otherness of God. The call to holiness is extended to God's people, as seen in Leviticus 19:2, where the LORD commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" In the New Testament, the call to holiness is reiterated for the Church. The Apostle Peter writes, "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'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). This call is not merely an individual pursuit but a corporate identity for the Church, the body of Christ. Holiness as Identity and Mission Holiness is integral to the Church's identity. The Church is described as the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27) and the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). As such, it is called to reflect the character of Christ, who is the epitome of holiness. Ephesians 5:25-27 speaks of Christ's love for the Church, "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 mission of the Church is also deeply connected to holiness. As a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" (1 Peter 2:9), the Church is called to declare the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. This mission involves living distinctively in the world, embodying the values of the Kingdom of God, and drawing others to the transformative power of the Gospel. Practical Implications The pursuit of holiness involves both personal and communal dimensions. Individually, believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, abstaining from sin and pursuing righteousness. Romans 12:1-2 exhorts believers, "to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Communally, the Church is to cultivate an environment that encourages spiritual growth and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Challenges and Encouragement The call to holiness is not without challenges. The Church exists in a world that often opposes its values and mission. Yet, believers are encouraged by the promise of God's presence and power. Philippians 2:13 assures, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." Moreover, the pursuit of holiness is not a means to earn God's favor but a response to His grace. Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds believers that they are saved by grace through faith, "not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." In summary, holiness is both a gift and a calling for the Church, shaping its identity and mission in the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, drawing others to the light of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 93:5Your testimonies are very sure: holiness becomes your house, O LORD, for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library For it is the Church that Gives Birth to All... Enumeration of the Illustrious Men in the Church who in their ... Extracts from the Acts. Session ii. Whether this Sacrament Ought to be Celebrated in a House and with ... Letter of Certain Easterns, who had Been Sent to Constantinople ... 1 Timothy ii. 15-Nov Prayer and Consecration Women of the Frankish Church Sin not a Mere Negation. An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Resources Is being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Why did God speak to Moses out of the burning bush? | GotQuestions.org Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |
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