Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, a central theme in Christian theology, is often understood as the state of being set apart for God's purposes and reflecting His character. It is not merely a human achievement but is deeply rooted in the manifestation of God's grace. The concept of holiness as a result of divine grace is woven throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing that it is God who initiates and sustains the process of sanctification in the believer's life.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently presents holiness as an attribute of God and a calling for His people. 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 not based on human effort but on the character of God Himself. The New Testament echoes this call, 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.'" Grace as the Foundation of Holiness The New Testament further clarifies that holiness is a result of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores that salvation, and by extension holiness, is a gift from God, not a product of human effort. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and it is through this grace that believers are empowered to live holy lives. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the manifestation of God's grace, leading to holiness. In Galatians 5:16, Paul writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and grow in holiness. Romans 8:13 further emphasizes this: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." The Spirit's work in the believer's life is a testament to the grace of God, enabling them to reflect His holiness. Sanctification as a Process Holiness is both a positional and progressive reality for the believer. Positional holiness is granted at the moment of salvation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:30: "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." Progressive sanctification, however, is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." This process is a cooperative effort between the believer and the Holy Spirit, grounded in the grace of God. The Purpose of Holiness The ultimate purpose of holiness is to glorify God and to fulfill His purposes. Ephesians 1:4 reveals that God "chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." Holiness is not an end in itself but a means to reflect God's glory and to participate in His redemptive work in the world. As believers grow in holiness, they become more effective witnesses of God's grace and truth. Conclusion Holiness, as a result of the manifestation of God's grace, is a profound truth that underscores the transformative power of the Gospel. It is a divine gift that calls believers to live lives that reflect the character of God, empowered by His Spirit and sustained by His grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Titus 2:3,11,12The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. The Universal Gift Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ... Measureless Power and Endless Glory Twelfth Day. The Thrice Holy One. John and the Gospel of Love. Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Growth in Grace. 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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