Topical Encyclopedia HolinessHoliness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God and His expectations for His people. The term "holy" (Hebrew: קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh; Greek: ἅγιος, hagios) signifies being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. Holiness is intrinsic to God's nature, as seen in Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." God's holiness is the standard for His people. 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, as 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "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 moral purity and ethical conduct, reflecting God's righteousness. It encompasses both personal and communal aspects, requiring individuals and the community to live in accordance with God's commandments. The pursuit of holiness is a transformative process, enabled by the Holy Spirit, as believers are sanctified and conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The sacrificial system in the Old Testament underscores the importance of holiness, as offerings were made to atone for sin and maintain the sanctity of the people and the tabernacle. The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ, the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfills the requirements of holiness, as Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Defilement Defilement, in contrast to holiness, refers to the state of being unclean or impure, often resulting from sin or contact with unclean things. In the Old Testament, defilement could occur through various means, including dietary violations, contact with dead bodies, or moral transgressions. Leviticus 11-15 outlines numerous laws regarding ceremonial cleanliness and defilement, emphasizing the need for purification to approach God. Defilement is not merely a physical condition but also a spiritual one. Sin defiles the heart and separates individuals from God. Isaiah 59:2 declares, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear." The New Testament expands on the concept of defilement, emphasizing the internal rather than external sources. Jesus teaches in Mark 7:20-23, "What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." The remedy for defilement is found in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who cleanses believers from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Through Christ's atoning work, believers are made holy and are called to live lives that reflect their purified status, avoiding defilement and pursuing righteousness. Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |