Topical Encyclopedia Holiness in the context of Israel is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the unique relationship between God and His chosen people. The concept of holiness, derived from the Hebrew word "qadosh," signifies being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. For Israel, holiness is both a divine attribute and a calling to live in accordance with God's statutes and commandments.Divine Election and Covenant The holiness of Israel is rooted in God's sovereign choice and His covenant with the patriarchs. In Deuteronomy 7:6 , it is written, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This election is not based on Israel's merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Law and Holiness The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai is a pivotal moment in establishing Israel's holiness. The Law serves as a guide for living a life set apart for God. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" The Law encompasses moral, ceremonial, and civil precepts, all designed to reflect God's holiness and to distinguish Israel from other nations. The Tabernacle and Temple The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, are central to Israel's worship and symbolize God's holy presence among His people. The meticulous instructions for their construction and the rituals performed within them underscore the sanctity required to approach God. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." The Holy of Holies, the innermost part of these structures, represents the ultimate expression of divine holiness. Priesthood and Sacrifices The Levitical priesthood is instituted to mediate between God and Israel, emphasizing the need for holiness in worship. Priests are consecrated and set apart to perform sacrifices and rituals that atone for sin and maintain the nation's holiness. Leviticus 21:6 instructs, "They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they present the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the food of their God. So they must be holy." Prophetic Call to Holiness The prophets of Israel consistently call the nation back to holiness, often rebuking them for idolatry and injustice. Isaiah 1:16-17 exhorts, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The prophets emphasize that true holiness is not merely ritualistic but involves ethical living and social justice. Holiness and the New Covenant The New Testament reaffirms Israel's call to holiness, extending it to all believers through the New Covenant in Christ. The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:15-16 , "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 now empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in a manner pleasing to God. Eschatological Fulfillment The ultimate fulfillment of Israel's holiness is anticipated in the eschatological vision where God's people are fully sanctified. Revelation 21:2-3 describes, "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This vision encapsulates the consummation of God's plan for a holy people dwelling eternally in His presence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 2:3Israel was holiness to the LORD, and the first fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come on them, said the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation. Note A. Holiness as Proprietorship. Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption. Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling. Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness. Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation. Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service. Resources Is being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Why did God speak to Moses out of the burning bush? | GotQuestions.org Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |
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