Topical Encyclopedia Holiness, a central theme in the Christian faith, is often understood as the state of being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. It is not merely a human achievement but is deeply rooted in the divine action of God keeping and sanctifying His people. This entry explores the concept of holiness as the result of God's keeping, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently portrays holiness as an attribute of God and a calling for His people. In Leviticus 20:26 , God declares, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." This verse underscores the divine initiative in setting His people apart, emphasizing that holiness originates from God's action. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this theme in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 : "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." Here, Paul highlights that it is God who sanctifies and keeps believers blameless, affirming that holiness is a result of God's faithful work. The Role of God's Keeping God's keeping is an essential aspect of the believer's journey toward holiness. In Jude 1:24-25 , the doxology praises God for His ability to keep believers from stumbling: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen." This passage emphasizes God's active role in preserving His people, ensuring their holiness through His power and grace. The concept of God's keeping is also evident in the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in John 17. In John 17:11 , Jesus prays, "Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name You have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one." Jesus' prayer reflects His desire for the Father to protect and sanctify His followers, further illustrating that holiness is maintained through divine intervention. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the understanding that holiness is the result of God's keeping aligns with the doctrines of grace and divine sovereignty. It acknowledges that human efforts, while important, are insufficient to achieve true holiness without God's sustaining power. This view is consistent with the teachings of Ephesians 2:8-9 , which states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." The believer's response to God's keeping involves a life of obedience and submission to His will. As Philippians 2:12-13 instructs, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage highlights the cooperative dynamic between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the pursuit of holiness. Practical Application Understanding holiness as the result of God's keeping has practical implications for the Christian life. It encourages believers to rely on God's strength and grace in their spiritual journey, fostering a sense of humility and dependence on Him. It also provides assurance that God is actively involved in their sanctification, offering hope and confidence in His ability to preserve them until the end. In summary, holiness is not merely a human endeavor but is fundamentally the result of God's keeping. Through His sanctifying work, believers are set apart and empowered to live lives that reflect His holiness, ultimately bringing glory to His name. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 17:15I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Note C. The Holiness of God. God's Love Magnified in Christ's Death. God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered The Origin and Nature of Pelagianism. A visit to the Harvest Field Forms Versus Character Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity. Our Lord's Sacerdotal Prayer North and South 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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