Holiness
Definition:
1. Meaning of the Word “Holiness”
Biblical Roots
Hebrew: qōdesh (קֹדֶשׁ) — means “set apart,” “separate,” “distinct.”
To be holy is to be different — set apart from the ordinary, dedicated to God’s purpose.
Greek: hagios (ἅγιος) — means “sacred,” “pure,” “consecrated.”
Thus, holiness first and foremost means being set apart for God — belonging to Him, reflecting His nature, and serving His purpose.
“Holiness is not something we do; it is what God does in us.”
— Oswald Chambers
2. Holiness in the Nature of God
Holiness is the defining attribute of God — His utter uniqueness, His moral perfection, and His total otherness from creation.
Biblical Foundations
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” — Isaiah 6:3
“Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Glorious in holiness.” — Exodus 15:11
“Be holy, because I am holy.” — Leviticus 11:44 / 1 Peter 1:16
God’s holiness is not just moral purity but His transcendence — He is infinitely above all, completely good, and incapable of evil.
“The holiness of God is the crown of all His attributes.”
— Thomas Brooks (Puritan theologian)
“Holiness is the very beauty of the divine nature.”
— Jonathan Edwards
3. Holiness in Relation to Humanity
The Bible calls people not just to believe in God’s holiness but to reflect it:
“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” — Leviticus 19:2
This means holiness for humans is both:
Positional — being set apart by God’s grace (belonging to Him), and
Practical — living in moral and spiritual alignment with God’s character.
“Holiness is not the way to Christ; Christ is the way to holiness.”
— Adrian Rogers
4. Theological Dimensions of Holiness
A. Separation
Holiness means being different — set apart from sin and from the world’s corruption.
“To be holy is to be distinct, separate in the highest sense.”
— Charles Spurgeon
B. Transformation
Holiness is the result of God’s sanctifying work — the Spirit forming Christ’s character in us.
“The Christian is not defined by what he avoids, but by what he reflects.”
— A.W. Tozer
C. Wholeness
Holiness is not merely sin-avoidance but fullness of life in God.
The English word “holy” is etymologically related to whole — to be holy is to be complete, integrated, aligned with God’s purpose.
“Holiness is wholeness — the harmonious alignment of heart, mind, and will with God’s love.”
— John Wesley
5. The Work of the Holy Spirit
Christians believe holiness is not achieved by human effort alone but is the work of the Holy Spirit — hence His title, the Holy Spirit.
“God chose us… to be holy and blameless before Him.” — Ephesians 1:4
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” — Galatians 5:22–23
“Holiness is the Spirit of Christ in the soul, transforming it into His likeness.”
— Andrew Murray
“It is the Holy Spirit who makes us holy by making us like Christ.”
— John Stott
6. Holiness and Love
At its deepest level, holiness is the perfection of love.
Not cold moralism or withdrawal from the world, but love purified of self-centeredness.
“Holiness is love made perfect.”
— John Wesley
Wesley and the early Methodists taught Christian perfection — not sinless perfection, but a heart fully directed toward love for God and others.
“True holiness does not make you withdraw from the world; it makes you better able to serve it.”
— William Temple (Archbishop of Canterbury)
7. The Holiness of Jesus
Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of divine holiness —
holy not by isolation, but by compassion, truth, and purity of heart.
He touched lepers (Mark 1:41).
He ate with sinners (Luke 5:30).
Yet He remained undefiled.
“In Jesus, holiness and mercy met together.”
— Karl Barth
Jesus’ holiness was contagious — it healed, restored, and reconciled.
“Christ’s holiness is not repulsive but redemptive.”
— J.I. Packer
8. Voices from Christian Tradition
St. Athanasius (c. 296–373)
“He became what we are, that He might make us what He is.”
Athanasius saw holiness as participation in the divine life — union with Christ that transforms human nature.
Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395)
“The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.”
For Gregory, holiness is ever-deepening growth — never static perfection, but continual ascent toward divine goodness.
St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380)
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
Catherine understood holiness as authenticity in God’s design — living out one’s divine calling fully and joyfully.
Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471)
“If you wish to be holy, strive to be humble.”
For him, holiness begins with humility — emptying self to make room for grace.
John Calvin (1509–1564)
“We are not our own; let us therefore forget ourselves and all that is ours.”
Calvin saw holiness as self-denial and total devotion to God’s will — the natural outcome of gratitude for grace.
Francis de Sales (1567–1622)
“Be who you are and be that well.”
De Sales emphasized that holiness is not reserved for monks or mystics — it is for all Christians, in everyday life.
Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)
“Holiness, not happiness, is the chief end of man.”
Chambers challenged believers to pursue God’s purity over personal comfort.
C.S. Lewis (1898–1963)
“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.”
(Mere Christianity)
Lewis saw holiness as the radiance of reality — life at its fullest, most beautiful state.
A.W. Tozer (1897–1963)
“The holy man is not one who cannot sin. He is one who will not sin.”
For Tozer, holiness is moral resolve born of love — not legalism but longing for God.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)
“Holiness is separation unto God, not withdrawal from the world but mission into it.”
For Bonhoeffer, holiness is not cloistered isolation but participation in God’s redemptive work — living truthfully, even to the point of sacrifice.
Thomas Merton (1915–1968)
“The beginning of holiness is the desire to let God be God in our lives.”
Holiness starts with surrender — allowing God’s will, not ours, to shape reality.
J.I. Packer (1926–2020)
“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God.”
Packer emphasizes that holiness is alignment — seeing and loving the world as God does.
N.T. Wright (Contemporary)
“Holiness is simply the reflection of God’s image in His people — being truly human the way God intended.”
Wright reframes holiness as the restoration of our humanity, not escape from it.
9. Summary Table
Aspect Meaning Source / Expression
Divine Holiness God’s perfect otherness, “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3)
moral purity, and truth
Human Holiness Being set apart by grace, Salvation / Justification
belonging to God.
Human Holiness Living in purity, love, Sanctification / Growth
and obedience
Moral Dimension Integrity, purity, humility, mercy. Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount)
Relational Dimension Love perfected — 1 John 4:16–18
reflecting God’s heart
Goal To reflect the image of Christ Romans 8:29
10. Summary Thought
“Holiness is not withdrawal from life but fullness of life. It is not moral coldness but perfect love. It is not rules, but relationship — the life of God in the soul of man.”
— Anonymous early Christian proverb
In short:
God’s holiness is His infinite perfection, purity, and love.
Human holiness is our participation in that divine life — being set apart for Him, purified by Him, and transformed into His likeness.
Holiness is not about becoming less human, but about becoming fully human, as God intended — alive with His love, beauty, and truth.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
• Fire refining gold.
• White garments washed clean.
• A lamp burning clear oil.
In Daily Faith:
Holiness isn’t perfection; it’s closeness — allowing God’s character to shape our thoughts and actions.
Holiness in Daily Life: Practical Application for Christians
Holiness is not about retreating from the world or following a set of rules. It is about being set apart for
God's purposes and allowing His nature to transform us. Here’s how we can live out holiness in daily life, grounded in Scripture.
1. Set Apart for God’s Purposes
Holiness begins with being set apart — dedicated to God’s will. It's a mindset that shifts our focus from worldly values to divine priorities.
Scripture Application:
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.’”
Holiness means embracing God’s call in every area of life. Whether at work, at home, or in our relationships, our lives should reflect His holiness. This can look like prioritizing godly goals over selfish ambition or serving others with a pure heart.
2. Live in Purity and Integrity
Holiness is expressed through moral purity and integrity. Our actions, words, and thoughts should align with God's goodness. Holiness transforms how we respond to temptation and sin, guiding us to walk in integrity even when no one is watching.
Scripture Application:
Matthew 5:8 — “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Hebrews 12:14 — "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Purity isn’t just about avoiding sin, but about pursuing righteousness. Practically, this might involve setting boundaries to avoid temptation, or taking time to examine your heart in prayer and repentance when you fall short.
3. Cultivate Christlike Love
True holiness is reflected in how we love God and others. Holiness isn’t about moralism but about a heart fully directed toward love for God and others. As we grow in holiness, we grow in love.
Scripture Application:
1 John 4:16-18 — "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
Holiness transforms our relationships, making us more patient, kind, and selfless. Reflecting God's love means forgiving others as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32), serving others humbly (Philippians 2:3-4), and sharing His love with those around us.
4. Reflect God’s Character in Everything
Holiness involves becoming more like Christ. As we grow in faith, our actions should increasingly reflect His character — His mercy, humility, patience, and truth.
Scripture Application:
Romans 8:29 — "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son."
Galatians 5:22-23 — The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is the result of a holy life. Let the Spirit guide your actions daily, whether that’s at work, school, or in your home life.
5. Engage with the World in a Redemptive Way
Holiness does not mean withdrawal from the world but actively engaging in it with God’s purposes. Being holy means representing Christ in our communities and workplaces, transforming the world through love, justice, and mercy.
Scripture Application:
Matthew 5:13-16 — "You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasizes that holiness involves living truthfully in the world, even to the point of sacrifice. Whether it’s standing for righteousness in your workplace or helping those in need, holiness is active participation in God’s mission of redemption.
6. Pursue Holiness through Daily Devotion
Living a holy life requires daily attention. Cultivate spiritual practices that keep your heart aligned with God — prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. These practices keep you in the presence of God, allowing His holiness to shape your life.
Scripture Application:
Romans 12:1-2 — "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship."
Psalm 119:11 — "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Holiness requires ongoing surrender. Set aside time each day to seek God through His Word and prayer. This helps you reflect His nature and keeps your mind focused on things above.
7. Deal with Sin Swiftly and Honestly
As Christians, we are called to live holy lives, but we still struggle with sin. Holiness doesn’t mean perfection; it means acknowledging when we’ve fallen short and quickly turning back to God in repentance.
Scripture Application:
1 John 1:9 — "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Hebrews 10:26-27 — "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment."
When you stumble, don’t hide from God. Confess your sins, seek His forgiveness, and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew your heart. Acknowledge your dependence on God’s grace for holiness.
8. Persevere in Holiness, Even in Trials
Holiness is tested through adversity. It’s in times of difficulty that we can most clearly reflect God’s strength, peace, and joy. Trials refine our character and help us grow into the likeness of Christ.
Scripture Application:
1 Peter 1:6-7 — "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed."
James 1:2-4 — "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Trials are not the absence of holiness; they are opportunities to grow in it. Through perseverance in faith, you become more like Christ — holy, pure, and steadfast.
9. Rest in God’s Holiness
Finally, understand that holiness is not something you do alone. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in you. Rest in the fact that God is making you holy as you surrender to Him.
Scripture Application:
Philippians 2:13 — "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose."
Ephesians 5:26 — "To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word."
Holiness is a lifelong process. Lean on God’s strength and trust that He will complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
Summary
Holiness is about aligning your life with God’s will and reflecting His nature in everything you do. It is both a positional reality (set apart for God) and a practical pursuit (living out that set-apartness in daily life). It’s about pursuing purity, growing in love, and engaging the world with the redemptive power of God’s holiness.
By actively pursuing holiness in your daily decisions, relationships, and struggles, you become a living reflection of God’s glory. As you grow in holiness, you become more like Christ — a beacon of His love,
grace, and truth in the world.
Prayer for Holiness
“Lord, I surrender my life to You. Help me to live in holiness, reflecting Your love, truth, and purity in all I do. Purify my heart and mind, and make me more like Christ. Amen.”
Scripture References:
1 Peter 1:15–16 (NIV)
“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.’”
Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)
“And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”