Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, a central theme in the Christian faith, is the state of being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. The promise of holiness to the Church is a profound aspect of the New Covenant, reflecting God's desire for His people to embody His character and righteousness.Biblical Foundation The concept of holiness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God calls His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). This call is reiterated in the New Testament, where the Church is seen as the continuation and fulfillment of God's holy people. The Apostle Peter echoes this call 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.'" Holiness Through Christ The promise of holiness to the Church is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. By His sacrifice, believers are sanctified and set apart for God. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This sanctification is both a positional reality and an ongoing process, as believers are called to grow in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey toward holiness. The Spirit empowers and enables Christians to live holy lives, transforming them into the image of Christ. In Galatians 5:16 , Paul instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, is evidence of a life being conformed to God's holy standards. The Church as a Holy Community The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community, reflecting God's holiness to the world. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the Church and His purpose for her holiness: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." Holiness in Practice The promise of holiness is not merely theoretical but is to be lived out in practical ways. Believers are called to pursue holiness in their conduct, relationships, and daily lives. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit involves a conscious effort to align one's life with God's will, resisting sin, and embracing righteousness. Eschatological Fulfillment The promise of holiness to the Church finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological hope of the believer. In the new heavens and new earth, the Church will be fully sanctified, dwelling in perfect holiness with God. Revelation 21:2-3 provides a glimpse of this future reality: "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.'" Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 35:8And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Obadiah 1:17 Zechariah 14:20,21 Library Argument. --He Next Teaches us that the Authority of the Faith ... The Gift of the Spirit The Nuns of the Primitive Church Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing. On the Attributes and Marks of the Church The Theory of the Church, and the History of Its Perversion. Of the Prophecies of the Old Testament in their visible ... Praise be to Him who Sent Him! The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Entire Sanctification as Taught by Jesus Christ. Resources What is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about holiness? What does it mean to be holy? | 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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