Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, a central theme in Christian theology, is the state of being set apart for God's purposes and living in moral purity. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies holiness and desires that His followers also pursue this divine attribute. His teachings and actions reveal a profound commitment to guiding His people toward a life of holiness.Christ's Call to Holiness Jesus' call to holiness is evident in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers to "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This call to perfection is not about achieving flawlessness but striving for spiritual maturity and moral integrity, reflecting God's character. Sanctification Through Truth Christ desires His people to be sanctified through the truth of God's Word. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus petitions the Father, saying, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17). This sanctification process involves being transformed by the renewing of the mind, aligning one's life with the teachings of Scripture. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to empower believers to live holy lives. In John 14:16-17, He assures His disciples, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit indwells believers, guiding them into all truth and enabling them to overcome sin. A Holy People Christ's desire for His people to be holy is further emphasized in the apostolic writings. The Apostle Peter echoes this call, urging believers to "be holy in all your conduct, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). This exhortation reflects the continuity of God's call to holiness from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Living as Light Jesus teaches that His followers are to be the light of the world, living lives that reflect His holiness. In Matthew 5:14-16, He declares, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." By living holy lives, believers bear witness to the transformative power of Christ and draw others to Him. Holiness in Love and Unity Christ's desire for holiness is also expressed in His command to love one another. In John 13:34-35, He instructs, "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 hallmark of holiness, fostering unity and reflecting the nature of God. The Ultimate Goal The ultimate goal of Christ's desire for His people's holiness is to prepare them for eternal communion with God. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul describes Christ's sacrificial 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." Through His teachings, sacrifice, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ calls His followers to a life of holiness, reflecting His own nature and preparing them for eternal life with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 17:17Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Communion with Christ and his People. Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling. Christ Manifesting Himself to his People Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... That a True Lover Despises Worldly Things and Desires Heavenly ... Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God. "Lo, I am with You Alway. " "And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the ... The Bequest of Peace. Resources Summary of the Book of Leviticus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Nazarene Church, and what do Nazarenes believe? | GotQuestions.org How should a believer respond to the characteristics of God? | 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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