Holiness

God himself in his essential nature is holy. Persons, places, things, and times set apart or consecrated to God and, therefore, sacred are holy. Holiness in a person is a quality of character and actions that are in harmony with God's nature and expressed will. Only God provides this.

The Bible teaches that God's essential nature is holy. Both the Hebrew word godesh and the Greek word hagios refer to separation of what is temporal or impure. God is Israel's Holy One. (Isaiah. 1:4) and the New Testament proclaims, "You alone are holy" (Rev. 15:4). God's holiness is intimately linked with righteousness. (Isaiah. 5:16)

In the Old Testament the concept of holiness leans toward separation. Holy sites and objects were rigorously kept separate from the common, and interaction between Israel and surrounding peoples was discouraged.

In the New Testament, however, holiness leans toward dynamic involvement. God's people are saints, holy ones (Romans 1:7, I Corinthians 1:2). The body of the believer has itself become the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives within (I Corinthians 6:19). The Christian has been set apart to God - but not set apart from involvement with unbelievers (I Corinthians 5:9,10).

New Testament holiness is not a matter of isolation but a moral dynamic - the power of the indwelling Spirit of God (Romans 12:2, Galatians 3:20) - which enables the believer to live a truly good and loving life in a society marred by evil, selfishness, and sin. By living a life that reflects the essential nature of God, the believer both glorifies the Lord and serves as a beacon, attracting others to Christ.

Praise the Lord!

See Colossians 3:12-13 for further study.

Information above was taken in part or directly from The Revell Concise Bible Dictionary.