To abide in Christ is to abide in HOLINESS. The principle characteristic of being holy (Greek: hagios) carries the idea of being separated for service to God. In other words, set apart.

Similarly, the term SANCTIFICATION basically means that the believer is removed from his sin nature, and is to be transferred from his worldliness to Godliness and Holy service. He is set apart. From the same root word we get terms such as holy, consecrate, saint, and sanctify; all meaning set apart for the Lord.

Holiness, as applied to God, is seen in two senses. First, it is separation from all that is earthly and human. God is a separate and distinct Being. This is simply another way of saying the Godhead, or Holy equals Divine. Secondly, Holiness is an issue of character. Scripture tells us to "Be holy, for I am holy".¹ This implies an ethical, or moral, concept. The idea most common in the New Testament is the ethical concept, or behavior.

Our Lord Jesus brought a new concept (as opposed to law-keeping) in holiness by teaching that the INTERIOR of man (the heart) and not the exterior (the law, or form religion) was pleasing to God. Holiness then becomes the process by which we learn, assume, and practice the Holy character of God. The Lord Jesus is our standard in all Holiness (i.e., love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, etc.), and the set part life. Holiness is perfection (or maturity), and we are to strive for this perfection of the Spirit as we conquer the flesh and it's imperfections.² "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another, and put on love". ³ There are the characteristics of Godly people. Though still living in a natural and physical realm, they are set apart and living in a Spiritual dimension.

The New Testament never assumes that under the covenant of grace we are any less under obligation for holiness. On the contrary, it is commanded of saints to live holy and peaceful lives. The Old Testament was a PATTERN of holiness to God, and the New Covenant is a PERSON of Holiness. To be like Christ is Holiness, and it is not optional. Holy is the Lord! Holy are His people.

Additional Scripture References:
 1 Samuel 2:2
 Leviticus 19:2
 Psalm 24:3
 John 4:21-24
 Hebrews 7:26
 1 Peter 2:9
 Colossians 3:12
 1 Corinthians 1:2

 1. Leviticus 11:44
 2. Matthew 5:48, Psalm 18:30
 3. Colossians 3:12-16

© Copyright 2001 Lighthouse Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Return to the top