Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8266 holiness  »  8273 holiness, ethical aspects of

Behaviour that reflects the holy character of God himself is to be expressed in both social and personal dimensions of life.

Holiness in practice is a reflection of God's own character

1 Peter 1:15-16 See also Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; Ephesians 4:24; 1 John 3:3

Holiness demands a different way of life

Shunning practices that defile

Leviticus 18:1-3; Ephesians 5:11-12; 1 Timothy 5:22 See also Leviticus 18:21-24,29-30; Leviticus 20:1-3,6-7,23-26; Leviticus 21:7; 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1; Galatians 5:19-21,24; Ephesians 5:3-7; Colossians 3:5-10

Obedience to God's law

Leviticus 20:7-8 See also Leviticus 18:4-5; Leviticus 19:37; Deuteronomy 6:25; Deuteronomy 28:9; Psalm 119:9; Romans 7:12; 1 Peter 1:22

Holiness is expressed in social behaviour

Care for the disadvantaged

Leviticus 19:9-10 See also Leviticus 19:14,33-34; 1 Timothy 5:3-4,8; James 1:27

A concern for truth and justice

Leviticus 19:15-16 See also Leviticus 19:11-13,35-37

Loving one's neighbour

Leviticus 19:18 See also Leviticus 19:16-17 Most of the OT law can be seen as an expression of holiness.

Holiness is expressed in family and sexual relations

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 See also Leviticus 18:5-20,22-23; Leviticus 19:3; Leviticus 20:9; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,18-19

Holiness is seen in personal character

Colossians 3:12 See also Ephesians 4:23-24,32-5:2; 2 Timothy 2:22

See also

1065  God, holiness of
5016  heart, fallen & redeemed
5448  poverty, attitudes to
5540  society
5769  behaviour
8203  character
8240  ethics
8277  innocence
8337  reverence & behaviour