Topical Bible: Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of

◄ Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Holiness is a central attribute of God, reflecting His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. It is both a defining characteristic of God's nature and the standard by which He calls His people to live. The concept of holiness permeates the entirety of Scripture, underscoring its significance in the relationship between God and humanity.

God's Holiness

The holiness of God is foundational to His identity and is frequently emphasized in the Bible. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This threefold repetition underscores the supreme holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation. God's holiness is also highlighted in Exodus 15:11, where Moses sings, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?"

God's holiness is not merely an abstract quality but is manifest in His actions and judgments. In Leviticus 11:44, God commands, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness is rooted in God's own nature and serves as the basis for His moral law.

Holiness as a Standard for Believers

The holiness of God establishes the standard for human conduct. Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "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 to holiness is not optional but is integral to the Christian life, requiring a separation from sin and a dedication to God's purposes.

The pursuit of holiness involves both an internal transformation and external conduct. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies believers and enables them to live in accordance with God's will.

Holiness in Worship and Service

Holiness is also a key aspect of worship and service to God. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle and temple were set apart as holy places, and the priests were consecrated to serve in holiness. Leviticus 19:2 instructs, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call extends to all aspects of life, including worship, where believers are to approach God with reverence and purity.

In the New Testament, believers are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. This priestly role emphasizes the importance of holiness in the life of the church and its mission in the world.

Holiness and the Character of Christ

Jesus Christ embodies the holiness of God, serving as the perfect example for believers. In His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated holiness through His sinless life, compassionate service, and obedience to the Father. Hebrews 7:26 describes Him as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens."

Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides the means for believers to be made holy. Ephesians 5:25-27 speaks of Christ's 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."

Conclusion

Holiness is an essential attribute of God and the standard for His people. It calls for a life set apart, reflecting God's purity and moral excellence. Through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to pursue holiness, living lives that honor God and fulfill His purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:2
Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, You shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:15,16
But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:1
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Call
... I tell you, God has called you, not unto uncleanness, not to remain in a state of
impurity, but to Holiness; and he ... The standard is the character of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/howard/standards of life and service/i gods call.htm

First Day. God's Call to Holiness.
... is to be Godlike, to have a disposition, a will, a character like God ... be ye yourselves
also holy.' There is not one standard of Holiness for God and another ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/first day gods call to.htm

His Perfect Holiness.
... of the ideal standard of virtue and holiness, and universally ... light, sublime as heaven,
and true as God."[32]32 ... as he perverts the life and character of Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/his perfect holiness.htm

The Christian's God
... The standard for the conduct of man is that of God's goodness, righteousness and
truth; this is not a double one ... From the holiness in God's character we can ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study ii the christians god.htm

Modern Revivals.
... not hesitate to reveal the true character of that ... We cannot accord holiness to any
man without bringing him to the measurement of God's only standard ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

The Relation of the Will of God to Sanctification
... Here is a motive as high as the holiness of God ... never fulfilled in us the will of
God"could never ... is possible to man before he touches the character of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the relation of the will.htm

Modern Revivals
... not hesitate to reveal the true character of that ... We cannot accord holiness to any
man without bringing him to the measurement of God's only standard ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Note A. Holiness as Proprietorship.
... This Holiness in God, as it appears to me, cannot be ... me nothing positively about
the personal character or worth ... To say that when God sanctifies men He claims ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/note a holiness as proprietorship.htm

The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ...
... to the manifestation of the divine character in the ... those who so confidently assert
that God might have preserved the world in holiness, without impairing ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter vi the existence of.htm

Note C. The Holiness of God.
... Jehovah makes Himself the absolute standard of Himself ... in the fundamental feature
of the Divine character, holiness. ... is no offence, therefore, by God to speak ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/note c the holiness of.htm