Holiness

In seminary, Personal Spiritual Formation is one course that stands out as one of my favorites. Perhaps because it was the first practical ministries course I had ever taken, perhaps it was the professor, the school, or the combination of students that provided the right mix for a great class discussion. The initial task put before the class in an open forum was to define growth (as in spiritual growth). Answers offered were much the same as you would find in an internet search: a process of developing, increasing, or maturing. The professor offered the perspective that spiritual growth is movement (intentionally left without further definition).

Spiritual growth bridges theological understanding and progressive action—it puts our knowledge into action. While progressive sanctification points us in the direction we should go as Christians (knowledge), spiritual growth (action) is the result of going and continuing to go down the path of Christianity, applying the Scriptures to our lives. Throughout our lives, our movement toward holiness is not linear. At times, we will face challenges, plateaus, or even setbacks. However, we must not allow ourselves to stalemate.

Are we alone in our spiritual growth—in our movement toward holiness? No, Christians are individually and collectively called to be God’s Holy Nation. Why do we have this spiritual collective? How do we keep moving forward when we find ourselves in these difficult times? We lean on others who are moving along the same spiritual path. We have koinonia—fellowship with other Christians. Our movement toward holiness is a collective journey—a shared experience and encouragement in the church. How do we get everyone who is like-minded, moving in the direction of growth, to come together? We are a people called into His light.

1 Peter 2:1, 2, 9

1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,

2 and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

As a result, the more we apply Scripture to our lives, the more Christlike we find ourselves. Though we make progress in becoming more Christlike, we will never progress to the point where we no longer need Christ. Instead, with our best efforts, we faithfully live our lives pursuing Christlikeness and trust the rest to Him. Where will we arrive at the end of this path we are moving down? Holiness—we are Coming Home to Holiness.

1 Peter 1:14-16

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

We are called to holiness as an all-or-nothing proposition (this is not something we pursue half-heartedly). Ultimately, we know that our relationship with Christ is the only hope we have in finding favor with God. However, knowing that Christians have a role in pursuing growth and holiness means that we should understand something about holiness. What does Scripture say about God’s holiness?

God is holy! Holy, holy, holy is the Lord (Isa. 6:3 and Rev. 4:8). The context of these verses is both writers in the presence of the Lord—both give descriptions of the heavenly throne room. Yet, what does it mean to be holy? Holy, and all its variants, is a familiar word often used in Christian applications: Holy Bible, Holy Spirit, Holy of Holies, etc. We use the word in a variety of ways, but what does it mean for God to be Holy?

God is not merely holy; He is the most Holy. Holy, when repeated in thrice succession, indicates linguistic significance in the Hebrew language.[2] The Hebrew concept of holiness: holy (1x), holy (2x), holy (3x) is like saying great, greater, greatest. God is not simply holy (1x), nor is He more holy (2x) than some [but also less than some]. Instead, He is most holy (3x)—the holiest of all possible holy beings which there can be none holier. He is the standard for holiness. This is a claim of exclusivity—God alone is holy.

What is the significance for Christians today? What does it mean for Christians to be holy? Holiness carries the ideas of “set apartness,” purity, or moral excellence, which comes through discipline.

Hebrews 12:10, 14

10 For they [earthly fathers] disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.[3]

14 Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

As Christians, we have chosen to answer the call to be called out ones—the ekklesia. Those who answer the call to holiness—to set apartness—will come together to be church. Only when we embrace the idea that we are called away from behaviors that transgress God’s will can we have movement toward holiness. To choose holiness is to accept that we have been called to a life of set apartness, avoiding sinful elements that are worldly distractions from holy living.

Are you answering the call?