Topical Bible: Holiness: Christ: An Example of

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Holiness, as a fundamental attribute of God, is exemplified perfectly in the life and character of Jesus Christ. The New Testament presents Christ as the ultimate model of holiness, demonstrating a life set apart for God's purposes, free from sin, and fully obedient to the Father's will.

Sinlessness of Christ

The sinlessness of Christ is a cornerstone of His holiness. Scripture affirms that Jesus lived a life without sin, setting Him apart from all humanity. In 1 Peter 2:22, it is written, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." This sinless nature is further emphasized in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where Paul states, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Obedience to the Father

Christ's holiness is also evident in His perfect obedience to the Father. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently submitted to God's will, even unto death. In John 6:38, Jesus declares, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me." This obedience is most poignantly displayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prays, "Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).

Separation from the World

Jesus exemplified holiness through His separation from worldly values and practices. While He engaged with sinners and lived among them, He remained untainted by sin. In John 17:16, Jesus prays concerning His disciples, "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." His life was marked by a distinct separation from sin, serving as a model for believers to be in the world but not of it.

Moral Purity and Righteousness

Christ's moral purity and righteousness are central to His holiness. He consistently upheld God's law and taught others to do the same. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus asserts, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount further illustrate His commitment to righteousness, calling His followers to a higher standard of holiness.

Love and Compassion

The holiness of Christ is also reflected in His love and compassion for others. His interactions with people were marked by grace, mercy, and a deep love that sought their ultimate good. In John 13:34, Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another." This love is a defining characteristic of His holy nature, demonstrating that true holiness is inseparable from love.

Empowerment for Believers

Christ's example of holiness is not merely a standard to admire but a life to emulate through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to follow in His footsteps, as 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "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.'" Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are enabled to pursue holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives.

In summary, Jesus Christ stands as the perfect example of holiness, embodying sinlessness, obedience, separation from the world, moral purity, and love. His life serves as the ultimate model for believers, who are called to emulate His holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 7:26
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:21,22
For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty-Second Day. In Christ Our Sanctification.
... Christ is not only our Example and our Ideal ... But Christ is the Living Saviour, with
a heart that beats ... of His we have the guarantee that His Holiness will enter ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-second day in christ our.htm

Of the Example of the Holy Fathers
... endure; and all others who would walk in the footsteps of Christ. ... To all religious
men they were given as an example, and they ought ... what rivalry in holiness! ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xviii of the example.htm

Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
... He suffered.' 'I come to do Thy will.' 'In which will we are sanctified.' Christ's
example teaches us that obedience is the only path to the Holiness or the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/seventh day holiness and obedience.htm

First Day. God's Call to Holiness.
... blasphemy, until we listen again, 'He hath chosen us in Christ to be holy.' In Christ
the Holiness of God appeared in a human life: in Christ's example, in His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/first day gods call to.htm

Christ Condemning Sin
... supplies the adequate motive to copy His example, and they ... law into an inward 'spirit
of life in Christ Jesus ... power according to the Spirit of holiness'; and we ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/christ condemning sin.htm

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... complete Pattern of true and universal Holiness, and hath ... the Friends and Disciples
of Jesus Christ, desire to ... following both his Precepts and Example, I shall ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the imitation of.htm

Twenty-Ninth Day. Holiness and Chastisement.
... His sufferings were indeed to Him the pathway to perfection and holiness. What Christ
was and won was all for us ... In the light of His example we can see, in the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-ninth day holiness and chastisement.htm

The Father Seen in Christ.
... can give them any real and present assistance in their efforts after holiness. ... we
can for ourselves of the truth taught by Christ and of the example He set ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/x the father seen in.htm

Christ.
... the works of the law, yet unless the righteousness and holiness by which ... way to eternal
life is, first of all, to take Christ for our example, treading his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/vii christ.htm

Christ and Man in the Atonement
... race, there is no consequence in which sin has involved it, to which the holiness
and love ... The idea of fellowship with Christ, for example, is constantly ...
/.../denney/the atonement and the modern mind/chapter iii christ and man.htm