Heb 12:14 (AFV) “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
Holiness is one of the most important themes in the entire Bible. What is holiness? I wish to define “holiness” as the spiritual state of being pure in heart and soul. Matthew 5:8 (KJV) says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Holiness is the state of being sacred – practically and wholly separated unto God for His indwelling (possession) and for His use. So, the two sides of holiness are: Separation and Dedication – separation from sin, worldliness, corruption, unclean influences, and dedication, being set apart unto God for His purposes and service. Holiness is not about obeying rules and regulations; it’s about a loving relationship with God. Holiness is not human perfectionism, that is, it’s not about trying to be flawless by your own strength. Holiness is alignment with God's nature. God’s goal is not just to save people from sin, but to form Christ in them. So, holiness is transformation, not behaviour modification.
There are perhaps, three dimensions of holiness: Positional Holiness, Progressive Holiness, and Practical Holiness. Positional holiness happens at salvation. We are declared holy because we belong to God. The Bible calls us “a holy nation” (1Pe 2:9). Progressive holiness is what we call “sanctification.” This is the daily life of growth – being transformed into Christ’s image. The Bible says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2Co 3:18; KJV). Romans 8:29 (KJV) says, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son ...” Practical Holiness is about our conduct, choices, and lifestyle. Holiness is so important because without it no man shall see God.
Now, to live holy unto the LORD, we must yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. He is the One who implants God’s nature within us, convicts us of sin, strengthens our inner man, produces holy desires in our hearts, empowers us to overcome temptation, and transforms us into Christ’s image. Holiness is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He is the Sanctifier. Make a commitment today, to be separated from sin, fleshly lusts, and be wholly dedicated to God for His purposes and service.
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje