Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God and His expectations for His people. The term "holiness" denotes separation, sanctity, and purity. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for holiness is "qodesh," which signifies something set apart for a sacred purpose. In the New Testament, the Greek word "hagios" carries a similar meaning.

God's holiness is foundational to His identity. 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 emphasizes the absolute purity and otherness of God. Holiness is not merely an attribute of God but the essence of His being.

The call to holiness is extended to God's 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 is reiterated in the New Testament, where 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 and ethical purity, as well as a dedication to God's service. It requires a life set apart from sin and devoted to God's will. The process of sanctification, or becoming holy, is a work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Romans 6:22 explains, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life."

The pursuit of holiness is both a divine command and a response to God's grace. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the believer's cooperation with God's work in their life.

Repentance

Repentance is a fundamental concept in the Bible, essential for salvation and a restored relationship with God. The term "repentance" in the Old Testament is derived from the Hebrew word "shuv," meaning to turn or return. In the New Testament, the Greek word "metanoia" signifies a change of mind or heart, leading to a transformation of life.

Repentance involves a recognition of sin, a heartfelt sorrow for having offended God, and a decisive turning away from sin toward God. It is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate act of the will. In the prophetic call to repentance, Joel 2:12-13 declares, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion."

In the New Testament, repentance is integral to the message of the Gospel. John the Baptist and Jesus both began their ministries with a call to repentance. Matthew 3:2 records John the Baptist's message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Similarly, Jesus proclaimed in Mark 1:15, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel."

Repentance is a prerequisite for forgiveness and salvation. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." It is through repentance that individuals acknowledge their need for God's mercy and grace, leading to a restored relationship with Him.

True repentance results in a transformed life, evidenced by the fruit of righteousness. Acts 26:20 describes the apostolic message: "I preached that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance." Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing attitude of the heart, as believers continually turn from sin and seek to live in obedience to God.