Understanding God's Holiness and Why We Are Called to Be Holy
Holiness, at its core, refers to being set apart, sacred, and morally pure. In the Bible, holiness is primarily an attribute of God that signifies His absolute purity and separateness from all that is sinful or imperfect. God's holiness is what makes Him unique and different from all of creation. Holiness is not just about moral behavior; it is about being completely devoted to God and separated for His purposes.
God's holiness is foundational to His character. He is entirely set apart from sin and evil. Throughout Scripture, we see God's holiness being praised and acknowledged, especially in passages like Isaiah 6:3, where the angels cry out:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” — Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)
God's holiness sets the standard for everything that is good, right, and just. His holiness is not just about His moral purity but also about His power, glory, and majesty. In His holiness, God cannot tolerate sin, and His righteousness demands justice against wrongdoing.
Holiness is necessary because it reflects God's nature, and as His people, we are called to be like Him. The Bible commands us to be holy because God is holy:
“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.’” — 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)
Holiness is essential for several reasons:
Sin separates us from God because He is holy, and sin cannot exist in His presence. Through Jesus Christ, we are made holy and are able to enter into a restored relationship with God. The pursuit of holiness brings us closer to God and allows us to live in fellowship with Him. Without holiness, we remain distant from God and unable to experience His full presence in our lives.
As Christians, we are called to reflect God's character to the world. Holiness is the visible expression of God's nature in us. When we live holy lives, we show others the purity, love, and righteousness of God. Our actions, attitudes, and choices should reflect His holiness, pointing others to His glory and majesty.
The Bible teaches that without holiness, no one can see the Lord:
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Holiness is necessary to prepare us for eternal life with God. It is through holiness that we are sanctified and transformed into the image of Christ, ready to dwell in God's presence for eternity. Holiness is not just a requirement for this life, but for the life to come.
Pursuing holiness is not something we can achieve by our own strength. It is a work of God in our lives, accomplished through the Holy Spirit. Here are some ways we can pursue holiness:
Holiness begins with God's grace. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified and made holy in God's eyes. Our pursuit of holiness is empowered by the grace of God, who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose:
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” — Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
The Bible provides the guidance and wisdom we need to live holy lives. By obeying God's Word, we align ourselves with His will and purpose. Holiness involves not only avoiding sin but actively choosing to live according to God's commands. Jesus said:
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” — John 17:17 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit is the source of our sanctification. He empowers us to live holy lives by convicting us of sin, guiding us into truth, and transforming our hearts and minds. We must rely on the Holy Spirit daily to lead us in the pursuit of holiness.
Holiness is central to who God is and who we are called to be as His people. It is necessary because it reflects God's nature, restores our relationship with Him, and prepares us for eternity. The pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey, empowered by God's grace, obedience to His Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit. As we strive to be holy, we grow closer to God and reflect His glory in the world.