Holiness(godliness)
Summary
The quality of being set apart for God's purposes, characterized by moral purity, separation from sin, and consecration to divine service; a fundamental attribute of God that His people are called to reflect.
☩God's Holiness
Holiness is the primary attribute of God, repeatedly emphasized in Scripture through declarations such as 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty' (Isaiah 6:3). This threefold repetition indicates supreme intensity. God's holiness encompasses His complete separation from all that is evil, His absolute moral perfection, and His transcendent majesty that sets Him apart from all creation. The seraphim cover their faces in His presence, and sinful humans cannot approach Him without being consecrated.
☩Called to Be Holy
God commands His people to be holy because He is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). For Israel, this meant separation from the surrounding nations' practices, adherence to dietary laws, observance of the Sabbath, and maintenance of ceremonial purity. The priests wore garments inscribed with 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' (Exodus 28:36), representing the consecration required for approaching God. In the New Testament, believers are called saints (holy ones) and are exhorted to pursue holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
☩Practical Holiness
Biblical holiness is not merely ceremonial or positional but involves transformed character and conduct. It requires putting away impurity, living righteously, and being set apart for God's purposes. The Holy Spirit enables believers to live holy lives by producing fruit such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. Holiness involves both separation from sin and dedication to God—avoiding what is evil while actively pursuing what is good.
Related Verses229 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Holiness," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).