What Does It Mean To Be Holy? Understanding Biblical Holiness And Its Significance
What does it mean to be holy? This profound question has puzzled believers and seekers for centuries. The concept of holiness is central to understanding our relationship with the divine and our purpose in life. In this comprehensive exploration, we'll dive deep into the biblical meaning of holiness, its practical applications, and how we can strive to live holy lives in today's world.
The Biblical Definition of Holiness
What Does It Mean to Be Holy?
The Bible's answer to what it means to be holy refers to a state of being set apart from defilement. This concept is not just about moral purity but about a complete separation for God's purposes. When we examine the Hebrew word translated as "holy," we find that it comes from a term meaning "separate." Thus, what is holy is literally set apart from common use and dedicated to God's service.
This separation is not about isolation but about consecration. It's about being different from the world in a way that honors God. The Bible describes holiness as both a position we have in Christ and a process of becoming more like Him. This dual nature of holiness – positional and progressive – is crucial to understanding its full meaning.
Biblical Examples of Holiness
Throughout Scripture, we find numerous examples of holiness in action. In Exodus 19:6, God tells the Israelites, "You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This illustrates how holiness is about being set apart for God's purposes and representing Him to the world. The concept of holiness is further elaborated in Leviticus, where God commands, "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2).
The New Testament continues this theme, with Peter echoing the Old Testament command: "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). This shows that holiness is not just an Old Testament concept but a continuous call for all believers.
Accessing Biblical Resources for Understanding Holiness
Reading and Studying the Bible
To truly understand holiness, we must engage with the source material – the Bible itself. Today, we have unprecedented access to Scripture through various mediums. You can read the Bible online, listen to audio versions, or download digital copies for offline study. This accessibility allows us to immerse ourselves in God's Word and gain a deeper understanding of holiness.
One particularly useful resource is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, published by Jehovah's Witnesses. This translation is known for its accuracy and ease of reading, making it an excellent tool for both new believers and seasoned scholars. The New World Translation aims to convey the original meaning of the biblical text in clear, modern language, which can be especially helpful when studying complex concepts like holiness.
Organizing Your Bible Study
The books of the Bible are listed in order and by chapter, allowing you to find verses quickly. This organization is crucial when studying a topic like holiness, as you'll want to cross-reference related passages and build a comprehensive understanding. Many online Bible study tools and apps offer search functions that can help you locate every instance of words like "holy" or "holiness" throughout Scripture.
When studying holiness, it's helpful to create a list of key verses and categorize them by theme. For example, you might group verses about God's holiness, verses about the call to holiness for believers, and verses about the practical outworking of holiness in daily life. This systematic approach can lead to rich insights and a more thorough understanding of the biblical concept of holiness.
Defining and Exploring Holiness in Scripture
Defining 'Holy' or 'Holiness' as Used in the Bible
To define 'holy' or 'holiness' as used in the Bible, we must look beyond a simple dictionary definition. Biblical holiness encompasses several key aspects:
- Separation: Being set apart from sin and common use
- Consecration: Being dedicated to God's service
- Moral purity: Living in accordance with God's standards
- Divine nature: Reflecting God's character and attributes
This multifaceted definition shows that holiness is not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing a life that honors God and reflects His nature.
Locating Examples of 'Holy' or 'Holiness' in Bible Verses
To locate examples of 'holy' or 'holiness' in Bible verses, we can use various study tools and methods. Some key verses to consider include:
- Exodus 15:11 - "Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"
- Psalm 99:9 - "Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy."
- Romans 12:1 - "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."
These verses, among many others, provide a rich tapestry of understanding about holiness. They show us that holiness is both a divine attribute and a human calling, something that God is and something He calls us to become.
The Holy Spirit and Holiness
The Holy Spirit—God's Active Force
The concept of the Holy Spirit is closely tied to our understanding of holiness. According to the Trinity doctrine, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the godhead, equal to the Father and to the Son. However, in some theological traditions, such as those held by Jehovah's Witnesses, the Holy Spirit is viewed as God's active force rather than a person of the Trinity.
Regardless of theological perspective, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey towards holiness. The Spirit convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and empowers us to live holy lives. As the book Our Orthodox Christian Faith says, "The Holy Spirit is the agent of our sanctification, working in us to will and to act in order to fulfill God's good purpose."
Is the Holy Spirit a Person or a Force?
The question "Is the Holy Spirit a person or a force?" has been debated throughout church history. Those who view the Spirit as a person point to biblical passages that seem to ascribe personality to the Spirit, such as Ephesians 4:30: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
On the other hand, those who see the Spirit as a force emphasize passages that describe the Spirit's power and activity, such as Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Regardless of this theological debate, what's clear is that the Holy Spirit is intimately involved in our pursuit of holiness. The Spirit empowers us to live holy lives and continually transforms us to become more like Christ.
Replacing Myths and Misconceptions with Facts
God's Holiness Emphasized Throughout the Bible
One common misconception about holiness is that it's an unattainable standard reserved only for the spiritually elite. However, God's holiness is emphasized throughout the Bible as something both awe-inspiring and accessible to all believers. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim cry out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This threefold repetition of "holy" underscores the absolute perfection and uniqueness of God's holiness.
Yet, this same God calls ordinary people to holiness. In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses the church: "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people." This shows that holiness is not just for the perfect but for all who are in Christ and are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Like Isaiah, We Gain Confidence by Understanding That We Can Also Be Clean in the Eyes of Our Holy God, Jehovah
The story of Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6 provides a powerful illustration of how we can approach God's holiness with confidence. When Isaiah sees the Lord in His holiness, he cries out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 6:5).
However, God doesn't leave Isaiah in his despair. Instead, a seraph touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, saying, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7). This act symbolizes the cleansing power of God, showing that even in the presence of perfect holiness, we can be made clean.
Like Isaiah, we gain confidence by understanding that we can also be clean in the eyes of our holy God, Jehovah. Through the atoning work of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we are positionally holy and are being progressively transformed into His likeness. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn our way to holiness and allows us to pursue it as a response to God's grace.
Living Out Holiness in Daily Life
Understanding holiness is one thing; living it out is another. Here are some practical ways to pursue holiness in your daily life:
Regular Bible Study and Prayer: Immerse yourself in God's Word and maintain constant communication with Him through prayer.
Accountability: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you in your pursuit of holiness.
Mindful Media Consumption: Be intentional about what you allow into your mind through books, movies, music, and social media.
Ethical Decision-Making: In every choice, big or small, ask yourself, "Does this align with God's holiness?"
Serving Others: Holiness is not just about personal piety but about reflecting God's love to others through acts of service.
Confession and Repentance: Regularly examine your heart, confess sin, and turn away from anything that hinders your relationship with God.
Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in practices like fasting, solitude, and meditation to deepen your spiritual life and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Remember, holiness is a journey, not a destination. It's about progress, not perfection. As you pursue holiness, you'll find yourself growing closer to God and experiencing the abundant life He promises.
Conclusion
The concept of holiness is central to the Christian faith and to our understanding of God's nature and our calling as believers. From the Hebrew understanding of separation to the New Testament call to be holy as God is holy, we see that holiness is both a divine attribute and a human responsibility.
Through studying Scripture, engaging with reliable translations like the New World Translation, and relying on the work of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in our understanding and practice of holiness. We replace myths and misconceptions with biblical truth, finding confidence in the fact that through Christ, we can stand clean before our holy God.
As we conclude this exploration of holiness, let us remember the words of the apostle Paul: "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). This promise assures us that the pursuit of holiness is not a solo endeavor but a work that God Himself undertakes in us, faithful to complete what He has begun.
