What Does It Mean To Be Holy? Understanding Biblical Holiness
In a world filled with confusion and conflicting messages, the concept of holiness often seems distant and unattainable. Many people wonder what it truly means to be holy and how this ancient concept applies to our modern lives. The biblical understanding of holiness goes far beyond religious rituals or moral perfection—it speaks to a fundamental aspect of our relationship with the divine and our purpose as human beings.
The Bible's answer to what it means to be holy refers to a state of being set apart from defilement and dedicated to God's service. This concept is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of separation from the ordinary to the sacred. When we explore the meaning of holiness in Scripture, we discover that it's not merely about following rules but about entering into a transformative relationship with the Creator.
The Biblical Definition of Holiness
The Hebrew word translated "holy" comes from a term meaning "separate." Thus, what is holy is set apart for a special purpose. This separation isn't about isolation or superiority, but about dedication and consecration. In the Old Testament, holy objects, places, and people were those designated for God's use and glory.
When we examine Scripture, we find that holiness is a fundamental attribute of God Himself. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty" (Revelation 4:8) demonstrates that holiness is central to God's nature. As creatures made in His image, we are called to reflect this attribute in our lives, not to become divine, but to mirror His character in our human experience.
The concept of holiness extends beyond individual behavior to encompass our entire way of life. It involves our thoughts, words, relationships, and actions. The Apostle Peter writes, "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 call to holiness is not a suggestion but a divine imperative that shapes our entire existence.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: Person or Force?
One of the most debated aspects of biblical holiness involves the nature of the Holy Spirit. The question "Is the Holy Spirit a person or a force?" has significant implications for our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. According to the Trinity doctrine, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the godhead, equal to the Father and to the Son.
However, some religious traditions view the Holy Spirit differently. As the book Our Orthodox Christian Faith states, the Holy Spirit is understood as a divine person, not merely an impersonal force or energy. This understanding affects how we relate to the Spirit—whether as a personal divine being with whom we can have relationship, or as a power to be harnessed.
The distinction matters because it shapes our entire approach to spirituality. If the Holy Spirit is a person, then our relationship with Him involves communication, obedience, and intimacy. If He is merely a force, then our interaction becomes more about technique and less about relationship. The biblical evidence points to the Holy Spirit as a divine person who can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3), and who intercedes for believers (Romans 8:26-27).
Finding Holiness in Scripture
The books of the Bible are listed in order and by chapter so you can find verses quickly when studying this important topic. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the theme of holiness appears consistently, from the consecrated vessels in the Tabernacle to the holy living called for in the epistles.
Key passages that illuminate the concept of holiness include:
- Leviticus 11:44-45: "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7: "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."
- Hebrews 12:14: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
These verses demonstrate that holiness is both a divine gift and a human responsibility. We are made holy through Christ's work, yet we are also called to pursue holiness in our daily lives.
Accessing God's Word
In our digital age, accessing Scripture has never been easier. You can read the Bible online, listen to audio versions, or download translations for offline study. Published by Jehovah's Witnesses, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is accurate and easy to read, making it accessible to modern readers while maintaining fidelity to the original languages.
This translation, like others, provides valuable tools for understanding biblical concepts like holiness. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is published by Jehovah's Witnesses with the goal of accuracy and clarity. Whether you're a scholar or a new believer, having a reliable translation is essential for understanding what the Bible teaches about holiness and other important doctrines.
God's Holiness Throughout Scripture
God's holiness is emphasized throughout the Bible, from the burning bush where Moses encountered the divine ("Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy ground" - Exodus 3:5) to the final vision of the New Jerusalem where God's holiness is fully displayed. This consistent theme reminds us that holiness is not a peripheral concept but central to the biblical narrative.
The prophets frequently called God's people back to holiness. Isaiah's vision of God's holiness led to his personal transformation: "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips..." Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:5-7).
Like Isaiah, we gain confidence by understanding that we can also be clean in the eyes of our holy God, Jehovah. His holiness doesn't repel us but invites us into a deeper relationship where we are transformed by His grace. The same God who is perfectly holy also provides the means for unholy people to be made holy through Christ.
Replacing Myths with Biblical Truth
In every generation, myths and misconceptions about holiness have needed to be replaced with biblical truth. Some believe that holiness is about external conformity to rules, while others think it's an impossible standard that only a few spiritual elites can achieve. The Bible presents a different picture—holiness as a journey of transformation led by the Holy Spirit.
Common myths about holiness include:
- Holiness means living a boring, joyless life
- Only pastors and missionaries need to pursue holiness
- Holiness is about following a long list of do's and don'ts
- Once you're saved, holiness isn't really that important
The biblical reality is that holiness leads to true joy, is for every believer, focuses on heart transformation rather than mere rule-following, and is essential for seeing God. As the book Our Orthodox Christian Faith emphasizes, holiness is not an optional add-on to the Christian life but the very essence of what it means to follow Christ.
Conclusion
Understanding what it means to be holy transforms our entire approach to Christian living. It's not about achieving perfection through our own efforts but about being set apart for God's purposes and allowing His Spirit to progressively transform us into Christ's image. The biblical concept of holiness invites us into a deeper relationship with God, where we discover that His holy nature is not a barrier but a bridge to intimate fellowship with Him.
As we pursue holiness, we find that it's both a divine gift and a human responsibility. God makes us holy through Christ, yet calls us to cooperate with His Spirit in living out that holiness daily. This journey of becoming holy as God is holy is the greatest adventure of the Christian life—one that leads us deeper into the heart of God and further into the purpose for which we were created.
