What does it mean to be holy according to the Bible?

To understand what it means to be holy according to the Bible, we must delve into the rich tapestry of Scripture, where holiness is a central and recurring theme. The concept of holiness is woven throughout the biblical narrative, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and it encompasses the nature of God, the calling of His people, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for holy is "qadosh," which means "set apart" or "sacred." The first mention of holiness in the Bible is found in Genesis 2:3, where God sanctifies the seventh day, setting it apart as holy. This act of setting apart is foundational to understanding holiness. God is inherently holy, distinct from His creation, and His holiness is a defining attribute of His character. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim around God's throne proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This tripartite declaration emphasizes the absolute and unparalleled holiness of God.

God's holiness is also reflected in His moral perfection and purity. In Leviticus 11:44-45, God commands the Israelites, "For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy." Here, holiness is not just about being set apart but also about embodying God's moral character. The Israelites were called to live in a manner that reflected God's purity and righteousness, which involved following the laws and commandments given to them.

Moving to the New Testament, the Greek word for holy is "hagios," which similarly means "set apart" or "sacred." The concept of holiness expands in the New Testament to include the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter echoes the call from Leviticus, urging 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.'" This call to holiness is rooted in the transformative work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The New Testament introduces the idea of sanctification, which is the process of becoming holy. Sanctification is a work of God's grace whereby believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul writes, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." Sanctification involves both a positional aspect, where believers are declared holy through their union with Christ, and a progressive aspect, where they grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The positional aspect of sanctification is evident in passages like Hebrews 10:10, which states, "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, believers are declared holy and set apart for God's purposes. This positional holiness is a gift of grace and not something that can be earned through human effort.

The progressive aspect of sanctification is an ongoing process in the life of a believer. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul exhorts believers to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." This process involves cooperation with the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live holy lives. As believers yield to the Spirit, they are transformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His character and holiness.

Holiness, therefore, is both a state of being and a way of living. It is a state of being set apart for God, made possible through the work of Christ, and it is a way of living that reflects God's character and moral purity. This dual aspect of holiness is beautifully captured in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where Paul writes, "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

The pursuit of holiness involves several key elements. First, it requires a deep reverence for God and a desire to honor Him in all aspects of life. This reverence is born out of a recognition of God's holiness and a response to His love and grace. Second, it involves a commitment to obedience, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands." Obedience to God's commandments is a tangible expression of holiness, reflecting a life set apart for His purposes.

Third, the pursuit of holiness necessitates a reliance on the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:16, Paul instructs believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and live in accordance with God's will. This reliance on the Spirit is essential for progressive sanctification, as it is through the Spirit's work that believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Finally, the pursuit of holiness is marked by a continuous process of self-examination and repentance. In 1 John 1:9, we are reminded, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Confession and repentance are vital components of the sanctification process, allowing believers to address areas of sin and seek God's forgiveness and cleansing.

In conclusion, to be holy according to the Bible means to be set apart for God, reflecting His character and moral purity. It involves both a positional aspect, where believers are declared holy through their union with Christ, and a progressive aspect, where they grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. The pursuit of holiness requires a deep reverence for God, a commitment to obedience, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a continuous process of self-examination and repentance. Holiness is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality that shapes the life of a believer, enabling them to reflect God's glory and fulfill His purposes in the world.