Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, in the biblical context, refers to the state of being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. It is a fundamental attribute of God and a calling for His people. The concept of holiness is deeply rooted in the nature of God, who is described as "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Isaiah 6:3), emphasizing His absolute purity and separateness from sin.In the New Testament, the call to holiness is extended to all believers, who are referred to as saints. The term "saints" (Greek: hagioi) literally means "holy ones" and signifies those who have been sanctified and set apart by God. This sanctification is not based on human merit but is a result of the transformative work of God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. New Creation in Christ The concept of being a new creation is central to understanding the holiness of saints. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is a fundamental change in the believer's identity and nature, brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. This new creation is characterized by a departure from the old sinful nature and a movement towards a life that reflects the holiness of God. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of sanctification, empowering believers to live holy lives. In Romans 8:9 , Paul states, "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit marks the believer as belonging to God and enables them to bear the fruit of the Spirit, which includes attributes such as love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Holiness as a Calling The call to holiness is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , believers are exhorted, "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.'" This call is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation that aligns the believer's desires and actions with God's will. Living as Holy People Living as holy people involves a conscious effort to separate from sin and to pursue righteousness. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, 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." The pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey that requires dependence on God's grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for those who have been made new in Christ, reflecting the character of God to the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:24And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man. God Rejoicing in the New Creation His Holy Covenant Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection. Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption. The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833. Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility. The New Nature The New Covenant. Andover Orthodox Creed. Resources What is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about holiness? What does it mean to be holy? | 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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