Holy?

For some reason, many Christians shy away from this topic. Maybe there is a lack of motivation to be holy. Maybe some do not take God’s Word seriously. Maybe some think it is impossible to be holy. Maybe some are ignorant of God’s expectation of holiness for His special people. Whatever the case may be, God has charged Christians with an important responsibility,

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 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" (1 Peter 1:14-16).

What is holiness?

First, holiness is apartness from sin. Paul admonished Christians to “go out from their midst and be separate from them…and touch no unclean thing” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Through obedience to the gospel, God’s children have had their hearts purified for service to the true God (1 Peter 1:22). Jesus prayed that His followers would be set apart from the world through the Word of Truth (John 17:16-17). As the command was given By Peter, God does not tolerate middle ground in holiness. He does tolerate, however, full commitment and dedication. This means wholehearted imitation of our most holy example, Jesus (1 Peter 2:21).

Second, holiness is awe-inspiring. This is how Isaiah saw God (Isaiah 6:1-8). Seraphs were sounding God’s holiness, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” His response to God’s magnificent holiness was, “Woe is me! I am lost.” Also, John saw the great throne room scene, and the four living creatures were proclaiming, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8). The psalmist declared, “Holy and awesome is his name!” (Psalm 11:9). Seeing and acknowledging God’s holiness should strike a chord of awfulness and reverence in every person.

Third, holiness is separation to God. God’s people have been set apart as God’s own possession, a royal priesthood, and as a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). What does this mean? Total and unwavering commitment to service to our God. We have received His grace; therefore, our allegiance belongs to Him and Him alone. That is why Paul would say, “Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14). We are a special people. We are separated from the world to a holy God, by His word and grace, to serve Him.

There is no holiness apart from God

As we cited above, a triplicate was used to describe God’s unique apartness: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 6:6). His word informs us that we are all sinners (Romans 3:10-23). Because of our sin, we are in need of a Redeemer. This redemption from our sinful and lost condition is found only in Christ (Colossians 1:13-14). In this redemption, we come in full contact with God’s holiness. Separate and apart from God, holiness is non-existent.

This can be summed up in one statement: My connection to God is what makes me holy.

• Why was the ground that Moses stood on holy? – Exodus 3:1-6
• Why were the gatherings of God's people called sacred assemblies? – Exodus 12:16
• By who's righteousness and holiness did the Israelites possess the land? – Deuteronomy 9:1-6
  

Holiness, through our positive response to God’s commands, can be attained. In this series, we will look at holiness from the aspect of worship, speech, and heaven. Please follow along in God’s Word as we study this very important topic.