The "Way of Holiness" is a biblical concept that signifies a path or journey characterized by righteousness, purity, and devotion to God. This term is most prominently found in the book of Isaiah, where it is depicted as a highway prepared for the redeemed of the Lord. Isaiah 35:8 states, "And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it, only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it."

Biblical Context

The concept of the Way of Holiness is deeply rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 35, the prophet envisions a future time of restoration and blessing for God's people. This chapter contrasts the desolation and judgment described in previous chapters with a vision of hope and renewal. The Way of Holiness is part of this vision, symbolizing a path that leads to Zion, the city of God, where the redeemed will experience everlasting joy and freedom from sorrow and sighing (Isaiah 35:10).

Characteristics of the Way of Holiness

1. Exclusivity: The Way of Holiness is reserved for the redeemed and righteous. Isaiah emphasizes that "the unclean will not travel it," indicating that only those who have been purified and set apart for God can walk this path. This exclusivity underscores the importance of holiness and sanctification in the life of a believer.

2. Protection from Foolishness: The passage also notes that "fools will not stray onto it." This suggests divine protection and guidance for those on the path, ensuring that they are not led astray by folly or sin. The wisdom of God guards the way, providing safety and direction for His people.

3. Joy and Gladness: The ultimate destination of the Way of Holiness is a place of joy and gladness. Isaiah 35:10 declares, "And the ransomed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee." This imagery conveys the fulfillment and satisfaction found in God's presence, where sorrow is replaced by eternal joy.

Theological Significance

The Way of Holiness is not merely a physical path but a spiritual journey that reflects the believer's walk with God. It is a call to live a life set apart, dedicated to the pursuit of holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The New Testament echoes this call to holiness, urging believers to "be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16), drawing from Leviticus 11:44.

In the Christian life, the Way of Holiness is marked by transformation and renewal through the Holy Spirit. It involves a continual process of sanctification, where believers are conformed to the image of Christ. This journey requires diligence, faith, and reliance on God's grace, as believers strive to live in a manner worthy of their calling.

Practical Implications

Walking the Way of Holiness involves practical steps such as regular prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in the life of the church. It requires a commitment to moral integrity, love for others, and a heart that seeks to glorify God in all things. Believers are encouraged to "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).

The Way of Holiness is a journey that leads to deeper fellowship with God and a life that reflects His character. It is a path of blessing, joy, and eternal reward for those who faithfully follow it.Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for ever more.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 35:8,9
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 6:16
Thus said the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
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Hosea 14:9
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Nave's Topical Index

Holiness
... of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom
wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and=The way of holiness.= "And an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter ix holiness.htm

The King's Highway
... THE KING'S HIGHWAY. 'And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called
the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the kings highway.htm

The Highway of Holiness
... has come to many of us is that of the Highway in Isaiah 35:"And an highway shall
be there and a way and it shall be called the way of holiness." The picture is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 4 the highway of.htm

Death to Sin is the Way Out into a Life of Holiness.
... Death to Sin is the Way Out into a Life of Holiness. The Cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ shuts off the life of sin; like the silted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the cross/death to sin is the.htm

Grace and Holiness.
... The sphere of this holiness is to be in "your hearts." It is always to be ... point and
importance of the heart being holy, for it is only another way of saying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/thomas/the prayers of st paul/i grace and holiness.htm

"And the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son Cleanseth us from all Sin. ...
... this doth discourage them, and drives them to such a despondency and dejection of
spirit, that they are like to give over the way of holiness as desperate. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv and the blood.htm

Death to Sin's Penalty is the Way Out into a Life of Justification ...
... efforts after holiness are as vain as our efforts after acceptance with God, the
door of escape opens afresh. For there is glory be to God, a definite way out ...
/.../trotter/parables of the cross/death to sins penalty is.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... These will make it clear to a demonstration, that evil is good, and good is evil;
that the way of holiness is the way of destruction, and the way of the world ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 31 upon our lords.htm

Entire Sanctification in Prophecy.
... Hear him in the thirty-fifth chapter: "And an highway shall be there and a way;
and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter v entire sanctification in.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the World.
... And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness:
the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall not err therein. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/5 the millennium in relation.htm

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