Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, in the biblical context, refers to the state of being set apart for God's purposes and is a fundamental attribute of God Himself. The concept of holiness is central to the identity and calling of the saints, who are those sanctified and consecrated to God through faith in Jesus Christ. The saints possess holiness not by their own merit but through the redemptive work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation of Holiness The call to holiness is rooted in the character of God, who is described as holy throughout Scripture. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘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 lives that reflect God's holiness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it is written, "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.'" Holiness Through Christ The saints possess holiness through their union with Christ. By His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus has made it possible for believers to be sanctified. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This sanctification is both a positional reality and a progressive experience, as believers grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of the saints. He empowers believers to live holy lives and transforms them into the image of Christ. In Romans 15:16, Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles, "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." The Spirit's work in the believer's life is essential for the pursuit of holiness. Practical Outworking of Holiness The possession of holiness by the saints is evidenced in their conduct and character. Believers are called to live lives that are distinct from the world, marked by purity, love, and obedience to God's commands. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Paul exhorts, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." This call to holiness involves a daily commitment to resist sin and pursue righteousness. Holiness as a Community Holiness is not only an individual pursuit but also a communal one. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community. Ephesians 2:21-22 describes the church as a holy temple: "In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit." The collective holiness of the saints serves as a testimony to the world of God's transformative power. Eternal Aspect of Holiness The holiness possessed by the saints has an eternal dimension. In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the saints are depicted as holy and blameless before God. Revelation 19:8 describes the bride of Christ, the church, as clothed in fine linen, bright and pure, symbolizing the righteous acts of the saints. This eternal holiness is the culmination of God's redemptive work and the ultimate hope of every believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 3:17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 3:1 Library God's Inheritance in the Saints Sometimes, However, the Saints in Supplicating God, Seem to Appeal ... Fighting Holiness Grace and Holiness. All Saints' Day Perseverance of Saints. Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption. The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection. Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility. 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) |