Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, holiness is a fundamental attribute of God and a calling for His people. The concept of holiness is deeply intertwined with the life and conduct of the saints, who are called to bear fruit in accordance with their sanctified status. This entry explores the biblical understanding of holiness as it pertains to the saints and the fruit they are expected to produce.Biblical Foundation of Holiness Holiness, in its essence, refers to being set apart for God's purposes. The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of holiness, reflecting the character of God. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives that reflect their sanctification through Christ. Saints as Holy Ones The term "saints" in the New Testament is derived from the Greek word "hagios," meaning "holy ones." Saints are those who have been set apart by God, sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. This sanctification is both a positional reality and a progressive journey. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:2, "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours." Fruit of Holiness The fruit of holiness is the visible manifestation of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are the natural outgrowth of a life rooted in Christ and are evidence of the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Romans 6:22 further emphasizes the connection between holiness and fruitfulness: "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life." Here, Paul highlights that the fruit borne by the saints is intrinsically linked to their sanctification and ultimate salvation. Living Out Holiness The call to holiness is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical reality that affects every aspect of a believer's life. In Ephesians 4:24, Paul exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This involves a conscious effort to live in a manner worthy of the calling received, as stated in Ephesians 4:1. The pursuit of holiness requires a daily commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. It also involves a rejection of worldly values and behaviors that are contrary to God's will. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:14-16, "As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. 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.’" Conclusion The saints, as holy ones, are called to bear fruit that reflects their sanctified status. This fruit is the evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit and is characterized by the attributes of the Spirit. The pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality and reliance on God's grace. Through their fruit, the saints glorify God and fulfill their calling to be His holy people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end everlasting life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Holiness of God That the Saints Lose Nothing in Losing Temporal Goods. Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service. The Death of the Righteous The Tests of Love to God Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing. Holiness "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ... The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... Resources Summary of the Book of Leviticus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Nazarene Church, and what do Nazarenes believe? | GotQuestions.org How should a believer respond to the characteristics of God? | 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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