Holiness - is it obsolete

In our world we talk about integrity and ethics, but with a wide range of meaning. An overarching concept that brings clear definition to these matters is the biblical term holiness. Of course, we don’t hear people talk about holiness in day to day conversation because it is not to be found apart from God. Our government is not holy, our schools are not holy, our shifting ethical concepts fall far short of holiness; in fact, God alone is holy. Only He is absolutely morally pure and He provides the definition of moral purity through His word and the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.

With that in mind God says, “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.” (1 Peter 1:15). We can be holy only through the forgiveness of sins He offers, the impartation of His righteousness, and the resulting identification with Him. Holiness is God’s gift to us, not our gift to God. Then as we walk with Him, holiness begins to take shape in us and we are transformed increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Holiness is a compelling quality. It certainly was in the life of Jesus. It is a quality that brings wisdom and well-being to life. The “beauty of holiness” working in the life of believers individually and in the church collectively is a compelling witness to a confused, dysfunctional world. It will never be seen in completion in the church on earth because of our continual need for growth and the continual introduction of new believers into the kingdom. However, it will be in evidence in the biblical message of the church and our transformed lives.

The word holiness is not a familiar term to lost people, but the concept is timeless, trans-cultural, always relevant, and desperately needed. The fact that the world doesn’t know the concept, much less the word, makes our work even more important.