Holiness

Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature of God and His expectations for His people. The concept of holiness is rooted in the Hebrew word "qadosh," which means "set apart" or "sacred." In the New Testament, the Greek word "hagios" carries a similar meaning. Holiness is fundamentally about being set apart for God's purposes and living in a manner that reflects His character.

The holiness of God is emphasized throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration underscores the absolute purity and otherness of God. God's holiness is also a consuming fire, as seen in Hebrews 12:29, which states, "For our God is a consuming fire."

God calls His people to be holy as He is holy. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament 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.'"

Holiness involves both moral purity and a dedication to God's service. It requires a separation from sin and a commitment to righteousness. Romans 12:1 urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

Community

The concept of community is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's design for human relationships and His covenantal dealings with His people. From the creation of Adam and Eve to the establishment of Israel and the formation of the early church, community is portrayed as an essential aspect of God's plan.

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is depicted as a covenant community, chosen by God to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). The Israelites were called to live in obedience to God's laws, which were designed to foster justice, compassion, and communal harmony. The communal aspect of Israel's identity is evident in the various feasts and festivals, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, which served to unite the people in worship and remembrance of God's mighty acts.

In the New Testament, the church is presented as the body of Christ, a spiritual community bound together by faith in Jesus. Acts 2:42-47 provides a snapshot of the early Christian community: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... All the believers were together and had everything in common." This passage highlights the communal life of the early church, characterized by shared resources, mutual support, and a commitment to spiritual growth.

The New Testament epistles further emphasize the importance of community. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This call to communal engagement underscores the role of the church as a supportive and nurturing environment for spiritual development.

Holiness and community are intertwined in the biblical vision for God's people. The pursuit of holiness is not an individualistic endeavor but is meant to be lived out within the context of a faith community. Believers are called to encourage one another in holiness, holding each other accountable and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds. In this way, the community of faith becomes a reflection of God's holy character and a witness to the world of His transformative power.