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 Hebrew word "qadosh," meaning "set apart" or "sacred." In the New Testament, the Greek word "hagios" carries a similar meaning. God's call for holiness is both an invitation and a command, reflecting His character and His expectations for His followers.

Old Testament Foundations

The call to holiness is evident from the earliest books of the Bible. In Leviticus 11:44-45, God commands the Israelites, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God; therefore you shall be holy, because I am holy." This passage underscores the connection between God's holiness and His people's call to be holy.

The holiness of God is further emphasized in Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration highlights the absolute purity and otherness of God, setting a standard for His people.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the call to holiness is reiterated and expanded. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness, saying, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This call to perfection is a call to holiness, reflecting God's desire for His people to mirror His character.

The Apostle Peter echoes the Old Testament command in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "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.'" Peter emphasizes that holiness should permeate every aspect of a believer's life, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Holiness and the Church

The early church understood holiness as integral to the Christian life. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to live holy lives. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, he writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." Paul presents holiness as a calling, a divine invitation to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

In Ephesians 1:4, Paul speaks of God's eternal purpose, stating, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This verse highlights that holiness is not merely a human effort but a divine initiative, rooted in God's eternal plan.

Practical Implications of Holiness

Holiness involves both separation from sin and dedication to God. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul urges believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This call to cleanse oneself underscores the active role believers must take in pursuing holiness.

The pursuit of holiness is also a communal endeavor. Hebrews 12:14 instructs, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This verse highlights the necessity of holiness for fellowship with God and others, emphasizing its relational aspect.

Conclusion

God's desire for holiness is a profound and pervasive theme in Scripture, reflecting His nature and His purpose for His people. Holiness is both a gift and a calling, rooted in God's character and His redemptive work through Christ. As believers respond to this call, they reflect God's glory and participate in His divine nature, living as His holy people in a fallen world.