Holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His desire for His people to be set apart for His purposes. The concept of holiness is rooted in the very character of God, who is described as holy, pure, and perfect. In the Berean Standard Bible, holiness is emphasized as an essential attribute of God and a requisite for His followers.

God's Holiness

The holiness of God is foundational to understanding His nature and His expectations for humanity. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This threefold repetition underscores the absolute holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation. God's holiness is also highlighted in Leviticus 11:44, where He declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy."

Holiness in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God's concern for holiness is evident in His covenant relationship with Israel. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. Leviticus 19:2 instructs, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" The Law given to Moses provided detailed instructions on how the Israelites were to live holy lives, covering aspects of worship, morality, and daily conduct.

The sacrificial system and the role of the priesthood further illustrate God's concern for holiness. The priests, who served as mediators between God and the people, were required to adhere to strict standards of purity and conduct. The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, was a significant annual event where the high priest made atonement for the sins of the nation, emphasizing the need for purification and holiness.

Holiness in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the call to holiness is reaffirmed and expanded through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies perfect holiness and calls His followers to pursue the same. In Matthew 5:48, He instructs, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This call to perfection is a call to holiness, reflecting God's character in every aspect of life.

The apostle Peter echoes this call in 1 Peter 1:15-16, stating, "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.'" The New Testament emphasizes that holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a transformation of the heart and mind through the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's pursuit of holiness. The Spirit empowers and sanctifies believers, enabling them to live lives that reflect God's holiness. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is described, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—qualities that characterize a holy life.

Holiness in the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the church, "to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." The church is to be a light to the world, demonstrating God's holiness through its unity, love, and purity.

Practical Implications of Holiness

God's concern for holiness has practical implications for believers. It calls for a life of obedience, moral integrity, and separation from sin. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Holiness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's standards, relying on His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, God's concern for holiness is a profound and pervasive theme in Scripture, reflecting His nature and His desire for His people to be set apart for His glory. Through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are called and empowered to live holy lives, reflecting the character of their Creator.