The concept of holiness is central to the biblical narrative and is essential for understanding the relationship between God and humanity. Holiness, in its essence, refers to being set apart, pure, and morally blameless. In the Scriptures, God is depicted as the epitome of holiness, and His holiness is both awe-inspiring and fearsome. The holiness required to approach God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for purity and righteousness in those who seek communion with the Divine.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the holiness of God is vividly portrayed, and the requirements for approaching Him are clearly delineated. The book of Leviticus, often referred to as the "Holiness Code," provides detailed instructions for the Israelites on how to maintain purity and holiness. Leviticus 19:2 states, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This command underscores the necessity for God's people to reflect His holiness in their lives.

The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law was a means by which the Israelites could atone for their sins and approach God. The high priest, who entered the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement, had to undergo rigorous purification rituals to ensure he was ceremonially clean (Leviticus 16). This underscores the seriousness with which God views holiness and the lengths to which one must go to approach Him.

The Prophets and Holiness

The prophets of Israel continued to emphasize the importance of holiness. Isaiah's vision of the Lord in the temple (Isaiah 6:1-5) highlights the overwhelming holiness of God, as the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). Isaiah's immediate awareness of his own sinfulness in the presence of God's holiness illustrates the chasm between human sin and divine purity.

The prophet Amos also speaks to the necessity of holiness, warning Israel of the consequences of their moral and spiritual corruption. Amos 5:14-15 exhorts, "Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate." The call to seek good and reject evil is a call to holiness, necessary for a right relationship with God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the requirement for holiness is fulfilled and exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, embodies perfect holiness and provides the means by which humanity can approach God. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus offers purification from sin and imparts His righteousness to believers. Hebrews 10:19-22 declares, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

The apostle Peter reiterates the call to holiness for believers, drawing from the Old Testament command: "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'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). This call to holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation through the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live lives pleasing to God.

Practical Implications for Believers

The holiness required to approach God has practical implications for the life of a believer. It involves a commitment to moral purity, ethical conduct, and spiritual devotion. 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." This call to present oneself as a living sacrifice underscores the totality of the commitment to holiness.

Furthermore, the pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey, marked by continual growth and sanctification. The apostle Paul encourages believers in 2 Corinthians 7:1 , "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 ongoing process of sanctification is a cooperative work between the believer and the Holy Spirit, who enables and empowers the pursuit of holiness.

In summary, the holiness required to approach God is a foundational biblical principle that underscores the need for purity, righteousness, and a life set apart for God's purposes. Through the atoning work of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live in holiness, reflecting the character of the God they serve.