Communal holiness refers to the concept of holiness as it pertains to the collective body of believers, emphasizing the corporate nature of sanctification and moral purity within the community of faith. This idea is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the people of God are called to live distinctively as a holy community, set apart for God's purposes.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of communal holiness is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands Moses to speak to the entire assembly of Israel, saying, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." This call to holiness is not merely individual but is directed at the entire community, underscoring the collective responsibility to uphold God's standards.

The holiness of the community is further emphasized through the laws and regulations given to Israel, which were designed to maintain purity and distinctiveness among God's people. The Israelites were to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), serving as a testament to God's holiness among the nations. The communal aspect of holiness is evident in the various rituals and sacrifices that required the participation and cooperation of the entire community, such as the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the concept of communal holiness is expanded and deepened through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody holiness collectively. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession," echoing the Old Testament language and applying it to the church.

The apostle Paul frequently addresses the communal aspect of holiness in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, he writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." Here, Paul emphasizes the corporate identity of the church as God's temple, highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness within the community.

Paul also stresses the need for mutual edification and accountability among believers to foster communal holiness. In Ephesians 4:11-13, he explains that Christ gave various gifts to the church "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage underscores the collective growth towards holiness and maturity.

Practical Implications

The pursuit of communal holiness has practical implications for the life of the church. It involves fostering an environment where believers encourage one another in righteousness, hold each other accountable, and work together to reflect God's character to the world. This is seen in the practice of church discipline, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, where the community is involved in restoring a sinning member to holiness.

Communal holiness also calls for unity and love among believers, as Jesus prayed in John 17:21, "that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." The unity of the church serves as a powerful witness to the world of God's sanctifying work.

In summary, communal holiness is a vital aspect of the biblical call to holiness, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the people of God to live in a manner that reflects His holiness and advances His kingdom purposes.