The concept of holiness is central to understanding the nature and purpose of God's plan as revealed in the Bible. Holiness, in its essence, refers to the absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness of God from all that is sinful or profane. God's plan, as unfolded in the Scriptures, is inherently holy because it originates from His holy nature and aims to manifest His holiness in creation.

God's Holiness in Creation and Purpose

From the beginning, God's holiness is evident in His creation. Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." The original creation was a reflection of God's holy character, designed to be in harmony with His will. Humanity, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), was intended to live in a relationship that mirrored God's holiness.

The Fall and the Need for Redemption

The entrance of sin through Adam and Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3) disrupted the holiness of God's creation. Sin introduced corruption and separation from God, necessitating a divine plan for redemption. Despite humanity's fall, God's plan remained holy, aiming to restore what was lost and to bring about a new creation in which His holiness would be fully realized.

The Covenant and the Law

God's covenant with Israel and the giving of the Law at Sinai were expressions of His holy plan. 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.'" The Law was a means to set apart Israel as a holy nation, distinct from other peoples, and to guide them in living according to God's holy standards.

The Prophets and the Promise of Holiness

The prophets consistently called Israel back to holiness, emphasizing that God's plan included a future restoration. Isaiah 35:8 speaks of a "highway of holiness" where the redeemed will walk. This prophetic vision pointed to a time when God's holiness would be fully realized in His people and His creation.

The Fulfillment in Christ

The holiness of God's plan reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Christ is portrayed as the embodiment of God's holiness. Hebrews 7:26 describes Him as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus accomplished the redemption necessary to restore humanity to a holy relationship with God.

The Church and Sanctification

The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect God's holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts believers, "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 process of sanctification, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the means by which believers grow in holiness, aligning their lives with God's holy plan.

The Consummation of God's Holy Plan

The ultimate consummation of God's holy plan is depicted in the book of Revelation. Revelation 21:3-4 promises a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people, and "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes." In this new creation, God's holiness will be fully manifest, and His people will live in perfect harmony with Him forever.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the holiness of God's plan is a testament to His unwavering commitment to His character and purposes. It is a plan that encompasses creation, redemption, and ultimate restoration, all aimed at revealing and sharing His holiness with His creation.