Let's Define Holiness

[jangnim]

Hebrew 12:14 says ...and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Question: What exactly is holiness according to God's word?

I know that for every denominational view, there is a definition, and this is an attempt to reach concensus on the properties of true holiness. The 12th chapter of Hebrews offers that if we are bitter, or if we are trouble makers we are not holy. It offers that sexual immorality and taking Gods promises lightly are both signs of unholiness. So what are the definable properties of holiness and are these signs of the relationship with God, or are they a path to Him?

How can we better achieve a holy lifestyle in a world so evil? At every turn you see another perversion of Godly living, sexual immorality is present everywhere, and so many are taught in churches that their walk is personal, so no one but them and God can tell if they are right with Him (but they imply that Godliness has outward signs).

So, if my life has all of the signs, am I holy? or if I am in love with God do I really have to display certain "evidence" to the affect?

What do you think?

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

What a great question! I'm guessing that if we look at every area of human living, there we will find another manifestation of either holiness or sin. Maybe we could define it as complete conforming to the will of God as revealed in scripture. This, of course, only possible through Jesus's sacrifice. Jesus simplified it by telling us to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

In answer to your second question, if we love the Lord it will certainly show outwardly. But outward signs do not necessarily indicate the true inward temperament. Of course we battle with the flesh, and satan leans on us harder at some times than at others:

Poor Peter-what a bitter disappointment! Formerly, when Jesus spoke, Peter was the first to dive in head first and jump at the Lord's command. He had such great zeal that he alone walked on water with Jesus. He had all the Lord's protection and had every reason, especially when he drew that sword in front of a mob of armed religious leaders, to believe he would not fail. But Jesus reveals the true situation: satan had asked persmission to sift Peter to see if he was chaff or wheat. And God reveals that faith was key to Peter's return to righteousness. And this reality has been troubling and soothing us for roughly two thousand years since. But it will certainly show, although we go through struggles and all stumble in many ways. Scripture is clear that we must forsake sin. But sin blinds. Hence the struggle.

 

[nhzname]

Hebrew 12:14 says ...and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Question: What exactly is holiness according to God's word?

Leviticus 11:44 says: ‘I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.

This is saying to me that holiness is being like God - Christ like. – 2 Cor. 4:4

So what are the definable properties of holiness and are these signs of the relationship with God, or are they a path to Him?

I believe that holiness is the evidence of Christ living in and through us as we grow in our personal relationship with Him. This evidence is displayed as the Holy Spirit reigns in us. Such qualities are discussed throughout Scripture:

Hebrews 13:15-16 ~ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

1 John 1:7 ~But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Galatians 5:22 ~ … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

How can we better achieve a holy lifestyle in a world so evil?

To achieve a holy lifestyle, all we need to do is live according to the Word by the power of the Lord. I know, sometimes easier said than done, but that's what living by the Spirit is all about.

Hebrews 12:2 ~ Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith

John13:34 ~ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

2 Corinthians. 7:1 ~ … dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Ephesians 4:22-24 ~ You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Romans 6:19-22 ~ Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

Ephesians 5:19-21 ~ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

So, if my life has all of the signs, am I holy? or if I am in love with God do I really have to display certain "evidence" to the affect?

What do you think?

Actually, Jangnim, we can display alot of the outward signs of holiness and purity, and still be far from the Lord inside - just look at the Pharisees. Just think of all the 'good' and nice people out there who don't even know Christ. They are examples of a holy image, wouldn't you say?

As Christians, though, I do believe that when God is having His way in us, it will be clearly seen by others. It is more than just a personal/private thing. Jesus said we will be known by our fruit. The living water cannot be contained if it is freely moving in us.

I pray that each one of us will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ for all the world to see.

 

[IDS]

Holiness = Wholly in us

Holiness is accepted not earned. Because it is so simple we have trouble grasping it. Perhaps if we were more child-like and less childish.

We can learn a lot from children about holiness.

Little children understand acceptance. Actually, small children expect parents to accept them. They do not work to earn or achieve the approval of parents. They do the things they do because they already know they are loved and accepted.

Little children treasure the presence of those they love. "Stuff" is nice but their greatest joy is in the time they spend with ones who loves them.

Children thrive in intimacy. Being held, sitting in laps, kisses and hugs, holding hands. Short walks and drives. Spending time with you.

A granddaughter who was three at the time once heard me say I was going to the library. "Can I go, can I go, please can I go, grandpa?" she pleaded. "Sure, honey, you can go." Then I thought. "Summer, what is a library?" "I don't know." She didn't know where she was going but she knew who she was going with.



S eperation (from GOD and others)

I nterruption (of the flow of the Spirit)

N egation (of your witness and the promises of GOD)



Holiness is the opposite of sin. It draws us closer to GOD and others. We live uninterrupted in the flow of the Spirit. And we confirm the presence and the promises of GOD in our lives.

Oh, we chrisitians love to doll up our I (a form of idolatry). We put on our christian wardrobe, learn christianspeak, and play the christian game. But inside the plasticness of an empty shell we yearn for more.

For hearts ablaze with passion for the things of GOD. For pure hearts and clean minds. For the power and presence of GOD to be a reality in our everyday lives.

Realizing the impossibility of such a life we struggle along as best we can. IM going to have to get out of the way before POSSIBILITY can.

Holiness is never earned by living a perfect life. It is only possible by what Oswald Chamber's in today's My Utmost For His Highest (Jan. 15) described as "white death". Only when "I" die can I begin to live.

Remember the apostle Peter. Think of his life before Pentecost. Time and time again Peter messed-up. He knew so much. Peter had such good teaching and leadership. But Peter never really "got it" until the day of Pentecost. The miracle of Pentecost was not the rushing mighty wind, tongues of fire, unknown languages or even thousands getting saved. The miracle of Pentecost for Peter was that he died a "white death". It was no longer all about Peter. Once he died to himself he was able to live for Jesus.

When GOD wanted to give us an example of a perfect heart he did not choose Joseph or Daniel. Men of integrity with blameless lives. When King David died afterwards we read of other kings compared to him with phrases like, "but his heart was not perfect like David's heart was perfect."

David? His life was not perfect. But GOD said his heart was. How was that possible?

Another characteristic of a small child is to say "I'm sorry" and mean it from the heart. And expect to be forgiven. The love and relationship is greater than the wrong.

The christian's part is repentance. GOD's part is grace.


G od

R estoring

A nd

C leansing

E ntirely



Holiness is the grace of GOD at work in our hearts. He cleanses. He restores.

A couple years ago I remodeled my house. Actually, I didn't do any of the work. I just opened the door and others came in and did the work. It cost me. But the benefit was well worth what it cost me.

So it is with holiness. It is not your work. You just open your heart and GOD does the work. It will cost you. But the benefit of a life touched by the grace of GOD is well worth the cost.

One other thought about holiness.

It often does not look like holiness. There are no neon signs or billboards advertising. Holiness is often lived out in the lives of everyday people living ordinary lives.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said for us to go and learn the lesson of the wildflower.

Holiness lived out will touch other lives. It will glorify GOD. You will seldom see the fruit that the seeds of holiness plant in the hearts of others.


.....peace.....

 

[Cordy]

I think holiness is sepeparating and standing apart from what is wrong for God.

 

[invisiblebabe]

Holiness and wholeness actually sound pretty similar.

I'd define holiness as the process and/or state of being a whole person, as God intended. That would include two primary parts: #1 being cleansed of sin and #2 being developed emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and relationally to the extent that God created us to be.

The first part of my definition is quite obvious. The second, however, tends to elude us, as often we do not see what a Christian looks like who has #1 but still has a lot of room for growth as far as #2. Sometimes we assume what growth still needs to be done in someone is #1, when in fact it is much more related to #2.

(and if I didn't confuse you, great! )

 

[Adammi]

Sanctification, if only the church would return to it.
Holy, Sanctified, consecrated are all synonimous. It means to be set apart solely for God.

 

[jangnim]

Thank you all so much for your entries. Now I would ask, how do you explain this to a small child? Jesus said that we should be as these small children if we wish to see heaven.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Love the Lord by doing what He says, and love man, too.

 

[nhzname]

Love the Lord by doing what He says, and love man, too.

Wonderfully said, and so simple. Why couldn't I think of that?!