Holiness, a central theme in the Christian faith, is often understood as the state of being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. The concept of holiness is deeply rooted in the nature of God Himself, as He is described as holy in numerous passages throughout the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible, 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts believers, "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.'"

The pathway to holiness is intrinsically linked to subjection to God. This subjection involves a willing submission to God's authority, commandments, and guidance. It is through this submission that believers are transformed and sanctified, becoming more like Christ in character and conduct. 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."

Subjection to God requires a heart posture of humility and obedience. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is not merely a passive acceptance but an active pursuit of God's will, seeking to align one's life with His purposes. It involves a daily commitment to follow Christ, as Jesus Himself taught in Luke 9:23 , "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."

The process of becoming holy is often referred to as sanctification, a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. As individuals subject themselves to God, the Holy Spirit works within them to produce the fruit of righteousness. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes reflect the character of a holy life.

Holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but is a result of God's grace and the believer's cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this dynamic, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."

The pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey, marked by growth and maturity in the faith. Hebrews 12:14 encourages believers to "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit is not only for personal edification but also serves as a testimony to the world of God's transformative power.

In summary, holiness is the result of subjection to God, a process that involves submission, obedience, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. It is a reflection of God's character in the life of the believer, achieved through His grace and the believer's commitment to live according to His will.Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption.
... and the way it is to be attained as the result of redemption ... Holiness is what there
is of God in us ... our whole life, and every part of it, into subjection to the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/fifth day holiness and redemption.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... from Him had invited, God gave Babylon evidence of His supremacy, of the holiness
of His ... It is the result of self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

Its Evidence
... which exerts any casual influence or any efficacy of instrumentality in producing
the result of their ... There is no real subjection to God, no holiness of walk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/9 its evidence.htm

The Universal Chorus
... better than weaving spiders webs , the result of their ... who are in a state of holiness
and allegiance ... intelligent creation, that is in willing subjection to God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon l the universal chorus.htm

Of the Decrees of God.
... about his work indeed, as the result of all ... to us the unchangeableness, freedom,
extent, holiness, and wisdom ... what his soul desires, a real subjection of our ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiv of the decrees.htm

On the End or Consummation.
... Jesus, make known by so doing their subjection to Him ... enjoy blessedness, when they
participate in holiness and wisdom ... of habit into nature, is a result which you ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter vi on the end or.htm

The Positive Side
... it in us, as a principle of holiness" (Grace in ... fact, "despised the poor" (v.6).
The result was that ... The only true "liberty" lies in complete subjection to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the positive side.htm

Steps to Perfection.
... the wisdom (sophia), which is the result of teaching. ... Lord, where it is in immediate
subjection to Him ... only is such in reference to holiness; but corresponding ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter x steps to perfection.htm

Prayer and Trouble (Continued)
... And what rich fruits result from even painful tribulation ... that we "may be partakers
of his holiness," which is ... shall we not much rather be in subjection to the ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vi prayer and trouble continued.htm

The Historical Situation
... This was the inevitable result of their virtual ... in an isolation suitable to his awful
holiness. ... regarded with passionate resentment the subjection of God's ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

What is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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