Holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible. It speaks to God’s absolute purity and moral perfection. But what does it mean for us as believers?
How can we live a holy life, and why is holiness so important in our walk with God?
This article will help you understand the meaning, purpose, and practical application of holiness, and how it should shape your relationship with God.
Defining Holiness According to Scripture
In the Bible, the term “holy” often refers to being set apart for God’s purposes. Holiness is not just about moral purity but about being dedicated and devoted to God. It means to reflect God’s own nature and to live in a way that honors Him. Holiness begins with God’s nature and extends to His people as a way of reflecting His character.
Why Holiness Is a Core Concept in Christianity
Holiness is at the heart of the Christian faith because it represents God’s nature and our transformation into His likeness. Through Christ, believers are called to live holy lives that reflect God’s glory. Holiness is not an optional pursuit but a command for every Christian. It’s a call to live in a way that sets us apart from the world and draws others to Christ.
The Difference Between Worldly Holiness and Biblical Holiness
While worldly ideas of holiness may focus on external actions and rituals, biblical holiness focuses on the heart’s transformation and obedience to God’s will. Biblical holiness is not about outward appearances, but a heart that is consecrated to God—a life of faithful obedience rooted in love, humility, and worship.
The Biblical Meaning of Holiness
Holiness as Separation for God’s Purposes (Leviticus 20:26, 1 Peter 1:16)
In both the Old and New Testaments, holiness is described as being set apart for God’s use. In Leviticus 20:26, God calls His people to be holy because He is holy, and He desires to separate them from the nations around them:
📖 “You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”
This concept of separation is not meant to isolate believers from the world, but to make them distinct in how they live, reflect God’s character, and follow His will. Holiness means dedicating our lives fully to God’s purposes, no matter where we are.
Reflect on how your life reflects God’s purposes. Are you living with the awareness that you are set apart for God’s glory? Consider what steps you can take to be more dedicated to God in every area of your life.
Holiness as Moral Purity and Righteousness (Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:14)
Holiness is also a call to moral purity and righteousness. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
📖 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Holiness means aligning our lives with God’s will, turning away from the patterns of sin and the influences of the world. It is a commitment to living a righteous life, rooted in moral purity.
Holiness is both an internal transformation and an external expression of moral purity. Commit to renewing your mind daily with God’s Word, and seek to live in ways that honor Him.
Holiness as God’s Essential Character (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8)
Holiness is not just a command for believers, but it is also a central aspect of God’s nature. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim the eternal holiness of God:
📖 “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.”
This threefold declaration of God’s holiness highlights His perfect and complete holiness—a holiness that encompasses His righteousness, purity, and power. In Revelation 4:8, the heavenly beings continually worship God for His holiness. Holiness is not just one of God’s characteristics; it is at the core of who He is.
Holiness in the Old Testament vs. New Testament
In the Old Testament, holiness was demonstrated through rituals, sacrifices, and laws that set Israel apart as God’s chosen people. The people were called to live separate from the surrounding nations, obeying God’s commandments and keeping their lives pure.
In the New Testament, holiness is still about being set apart, but it is now centered in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, believers are made holy. Holiness is no longer about outward rituals but is defined by our relationship with Christ and His righteousness being imputed to us.
As a believer, your holiness is rooted in Christ’s work on the cross. It’s not about what you do to earn God’s favor, but about being made holy through faith in Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for making me holy through Your sacrifice. I surrender my life to You, knowing that my holiness comes through Your righteousness, not my own. Amen.
The Purpose of Holiness in the Bible
Holiness Brings Us Closer to God (Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9)
One of the primary purposes of holiness is to draw us closer to God. In Exodus 19:6, God calls the Israelites to be a holy nation so that they might be set apart for His purposes:
📖 “And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Holiness is not just about outward actions; it’s about intimacy with God. Through holiness, we become vessels through which God can work, allowing us to experience His presence and nearness in a deeper way.
In the New Testament, 1 Peter 2:9 also affirms that believers are called to be a holy priesthood:
📖 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Holiness Is a Witness to the World (Matthew 5:14-16)
Holiness is not just for our personal benefit; it also serves as a witness to the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says:
📖 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
When we live holy lives, we shine as examples of God’s goodness and truth, drawing others to Him. Our lives become a testimony to His transforming power, and our actions speak louder than words.
Holiness Leads to Transformation and Freedom (Romans 6:22, 2 Corinthians 7:1)
Living a holy life leads to personal transformation and freedom from the power of sin. In Romans 6:22, Paul writes:
📖 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”
Holiness brings freedom from sin’s grip. As we grow in holiness, we are increasingly transformed into the likeness of Christ, experiencing the true freedom He offers. Holiness isn’t a burden, but a way to live in the freedom of God’s will, where we are no longer bound by sin.
Pursue holiness as a means of experiencing true freedom. Allow God’s transforming power to work in you, freeing you from sin and shaping you into the person He desires you to be.
Holiness as the Call for Every Believer (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
Holiness is not optional for believers—it is God’s call for all Christians. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Paul reminds us:
📖 “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”
Every believer is called to live a holy life, not by their own strength, but through the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:15-16 also emphasizes that we are called to be holy as God is holy:
📖 “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
Understand that holiness is a universal call for every Christian. It is the foundation for your relationship with God, and the standard to which God calls us all.
Biblical Examples of Holiness
1. God’s Call to Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 19:6)
In Exodus 19:6, God calls the Israelites to be a holy nation, set apart for His purposes:
📖 “And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
God’s command for the Israelites to live as a holy people was a call to be distinct from the surrounding nations. Holiness was not just a matter of personal behavior but was tied to their collective identity as God’s chosen people. They were called to reflect God’s holiness in every area of life, as an example to the world.
Just as the Israelites were called to be holy, we, too, are called to reflect God’s holiness in our personal and communal lives. Holiness should shape our relationships, communities, and society at large.
2. Jesus: The Perfect Example of Holiness (John 14:30-31, 1 Peter 2:22)
Jesus is the ultimate example of holiness in action. In John 14:30-31, Jesus speaks of His perfect obedience to the Father:
📖 “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.”
Jesus lived in complete alignment with God’s will, showing us what true holiness looks like. He was not only morally pure but also fully devoted to fulfilling God’s plan of salvation for the world.
In 1 Peter 2:22, Peter affirms that Jesus was the perfect example of holiness:
📖 “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.”
3. Paul’s Call to Holiness (Romans 6:22, 2 Corinthians 7:1)
Paul repeatedly emphasizes holiness in his letters. In Romans 6:22, he reminds believers that they have been set free from sin to live a life of holiness:
📖 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”
Holiness, for Paul, is a process of sanctification—being set apart and transformed by the Holy Spirit. It’s not about being perfect, but about growing daily in righteousness and obedience to God.
In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul urges believers to pursue holiness in everything:
📖 “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
4. The Life of Daniel: Living a Holy Life in a Foreign Land (Daniel 1:8-20)
Daniel provides an example of living a holy life in a world that doesn’t honor God. In Daniel 1:8, we see Daniel’s commitment to holiness when he chooses not to defile himself with the king’s food:
📖 “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.”
Daniel’s faithful obedience to God in a foreign land—under pressure to conform to the king’s ways—demonstrates that holiness is about maintaining integrity and obedience, no matter the circumstances.
Common Misunderstandings About Holiness
Holiness Doesn’t Mean Perfection
Some believe holiness requires perfect behavior or that we must be flawless. However, the Bible teaches that holiness is a process of becoming more like Christ. We will stumble, but God’s grace and the Holy Spirit help us grow in holiness every day.
Holiness Is Not About Legalism, But About Relationship
Holiness is not about following a set of rules or legalistic rituals. It’s about developing a close relationship with God and allowing His nature to transform us. Holiness flows out of a love for God, not out of fear of punishment or religious obligation.
Holiness Is Not About What We Do, But About Who We Are in Christ
Holiness is not defined by external actions alone. It’s about the inner transformation that happens when we accept Christ as our Savior. We are made holy through Jesus, and our lives should reflect that inner change.
Holiness Is a Process, Not Instant Perfection
Holiness is an ongoing process that continues throughout our lives. It’s not about achieving perfection in a moment but about continually growing in our relationship with God and allowing Him to shape us into His image.
Wrapping Up
Holiness is not just a command but a way of life for every believer. It is a lifelong journey of transformation and surrender to God’s will. By pursuing holiness, we draw closer to God, become a witness to the world, and live lives that reflect His glory. Holiness is a privilege given to us through Christ, and we are called to live it out in every aspect of our lives.
Encouragement to Seek God’s Holiness Every Day
Living a holy life requires intentional effort and a heart of surrender to God. Every day is an opportunity to grow in holiness through prayer, obedience, and reliance on God’s strength. As we pursue holiness, we become more like Christ and reflect His character to those around us.
A Prayer for Strength and Guidance to Live a Holy Life
Lord, thank You for calling me to live a holy life. I surrender my heart to You and ask for Your strength and guidance to walk in holiness every day. May my life reflect Your purity, love, and righteousness. Help me to be a witness of Your holiness to the world, and empower me to live for Your glory. Amen.
FAQs About Holiness According to the Bible
1. Why is holiness so important to God?
Holiness is important to God because it reflects His perfect nature. As a holy God, He desires His people to be set apart for His purposes. Holiness is a way to live in obedience to God’s will, and it allows us to experience a deeper relationship with Him. Moreover, holiness is a witness to the world, showing them the transformative power of God in our lives.
2. Can a believer be holy in a sinful world?
Yes, believers can live holy lives in a sinful world, but it requires intentionality and dependence on God’s strength. While we live in a fallen world, holiness is about living according to God’s standards rather than the world’s. By following Christ’s example and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can live holy lives that stand in contrast to the sin and corruption around them.
3. How do I become more holy each day?
Becoming more holy is a daily process of surrender, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word. It involves choosing to align your life with God’s will, avoiding sin, and seeking righteousness. You can cultivate holiness by spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The more you seek God, the more His holiness will transform your life.
4. What does it mean to be holy as God is holy?
To be holy as God is holy means to reflect God’s purity and righteousness in our lives. While we cannot be holy in the same way as God, we are called to live according to His standard of holiness, which includes living in obedience to His Word, loving others, and being set apart for His purposes. Being holy as God is holy means striving to live in His likeness through His grace.
