Topical Encyclopedia The concept of holiness is central to the Christian faith, representing a fundamental aspect of God's nature and His expectations for humanity. The call to holiness is a divine summons for believers to live a life set apart, reflecting God's purity and righteousness. This call is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the transformative journey from sinfulness to sanctification.Biblical Foundation The call to holiness is rooted in the character of God Himself. Leviticus 11:44-45 declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This command is reiterated in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes, "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 as Separation Holiness involves separation from sin and dedication to God. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 , urges believers, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." This separation is not merely physical but spiritual, requiring a heart and mind aligned with God's will. The Role of the Holy Spirit The pursuit of holiness is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and guides them in truth. Romans 8:13-14 states, "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. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." The Spirit's work is essential in transforming believers into the likeness of Christ, enabling them to live holy lives. Holiness in Conduct Holiness is manifested in the conduct of believers, as they are called to live lives that reflect God's righteousness. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs, "You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off 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." This transformation involves a conscious effort to reject sinful behaviors and embrace godly virtues. The Call to Holiness in Community The call to holiness extends beyond individual conduct to the corporate life of the church. The community of believers is to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. 1 Peter 2:9 affirms, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." The church is to be a beacon of holiness, demonstrating God's love and truth to the world. The Ultimate Goal of Holiness The ultimate goal of holiness is to glorify God and enjoy eternal fellowship with Him. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Holiness is not an end in itself but a means to draw closer to God, experiencing His presence and fulfilling His purposes on earth. In summary, the call of God to man is a call to holiness, a life set apart for His glory. This call is a journey of transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and manifested in both personal conduct and communal life. Through holiness, believers reflect the character of God and fulfill their divine purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 4:7For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Holiness The New Man Of the Works which God Works in all in Common and of Five Kinds of ... The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. A Call to Holy Living Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity The Highway of Holiness The First Opinion, which I Reject, but which is Espoused by those ... The Creaturely Man. Resources If Jesus was God, why did He call God "My God?" | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.org Why do some people not turn to God until later in life? | GotQuestions.org Call: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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