Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, a central theme in the Christian faith, is the state of being set apart for God's purposes, characterized by purity, moral integrity, and spiritual dedication. The call to holiness is a recurring exhortation throughout Scripture, urging believers to live lives that reflect God's character. One of the profound motivations for pursuing holiness is the anticipation of the dissolution of all things, as foretold in biblical prophecy.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents holiness as an essential attribute of God and a requisite for His people. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). The apostle Peter emphasizes this in 1 Peter 1:15-16, stating, "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.'" Motives for Holiness 1. Imminence of Christ's Return: The New Testament frequently links holiness with the expectation of Christ's return. In 2 Peter 3:10-12, the apostle Peter describes the day of the Lord, when "the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare." This impending event serves as a powerful incentive for believers to live holy and godly lives, as they anticipate the new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. 2. Judgment and Accountability: The certainty of divine judgment motivates believers to pursue holiness. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad." This awareness of future accountability encourages Christians to live in a manner that pleases God, knowing that their actions will be evaluated. 3. Eternal Perspective: The transient nature of the present world underscores the importance of holiness. In 1 John 2:17, it is written, "The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This eternal perspective shifts the focus from temporary pleasures to lasting spiritual values, prompting believers to align their lives with God's will. 4. Transformation and Renewal: Holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but involves an inner transformation. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in holiness as they await the culmination of all things. 5. Witness to the World: A holy life serves as a testimony to the world of God's transformative power. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Holiness, therefore, becomes a means of drawing others to Christ, as believers reflect His character in their conduct. Conclusion The anticipation of the dissolution of all things provides a compelling motive for Christians to pursue holiness. As they live in the light of eternity, believers are called to embody the holiness of God, preparing themselves for the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 3:11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 'Salt in Yourselves' Ananias and Sapphira. Christian Consolation in Loneliness On the Holy Spirit Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ... Perseverance Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty The Potter and the Clay The General Conference of 1836 Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. 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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