EXPOSE | Separation goes both ways
“Holiness is not only separation from evil, but separation unto God.” – John Stott
EXPLORE | Mirroring God’s character
Holiness has long been a central theme in Christianity, and throughout history, various individuals and groups have emphasized its importance. In the early 19th century, the Eclectic Society, a gathering of evangelical ministers that included renowned figures like John Newton and Charles Simeon, delved into discussions about holiness and its implications.
Grappling with questions related to holiness, the Eclectic Society (June of 1812) posed a crucial question: “What is Scripture’s view of growth in grace?” Rev. C. R. Pritchett’s response highlighted three key aspects:
- Holiness Is of God: The pursuit of holiness is entirely dependent on God’s work in our lives.
- Union with Christ: It arises from an intimate and vital union with Christ.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: It is produced and carried on by the constant and immediate agency of the Holy Spirit.
Fast forward to contemporary times, the call for holiness remains relevant (read: extremely necessary).
Holiness is a concept that often evokes various perceptions, from being old-fashioned and rigid to grace-filled and deeply satisfying.
Holiness as God’s Nature
To grasp the significance of personal holiness, we must begin by understanding God’s holiness. God’s holiness signifies His separateness, sovereignty, and moral perfection.
“Holiness is the most fundamental and essential quality of God. It is His very nature and character. It defines His moral perfection and His absolute purity.”
R.C. Sproul
Holiness is an intrinsic aspect of God’s character, signifying His purity, righteousness, and moral perfection. Understanding holiness in this light means recognizing that it is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of who God is.
The pursuit of holiness is, at its core, an endeavor to mirror God’s character in our lives.
God’s holiness evokes awe and conviction of sin. In Isaiah’s encounter with God, he recognized his own unworthiness in the presence of God’s holiness. Similarly, the apostle John, in the book of Revelation, fell as though dead before Christ’s blazing holiness.
We are to focus on being cleansed, purified, and set apart, distinguishing ourselves for God’s purposes. It signifies a life free from the defiling acts of sin and reflects godliness.
“Holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, has two aspects: apartness from sin, and devotedness to God. It is the whole atmosphere of worship.”
J.I. Packer
Holiness is a state of being dedicated or consecrated to God for His specific purpose. It first begins with spiritual rebirth, then encompasses a devotion to serving God and striving for moral and spiritual excellence. It is a quality that reflects God’s character, emphasizing separation from sin and consecration to Him.
Therefore, holiness is not optional for Christians–it is a divine imperative.
In Leviticus 11:44-45, God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy. Similarly, 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls believers to be holy in all their conduct, affirming that holiness is closely tied to obedience to God’s commands.
The motivation for holiness should be gratitude for God’s goodness and grace. We naturally seek to please the One we love. J.I. Packer explains that holiness begins with the right purpose, prompted by love for God.
In the New Testament, both Paul and Peter stress the pursuit of holiness. Paul speaks of believers being chosen to be holy and presenting themselves as living sacrifices, while Peter encourages believers to be holy in all their conduct.
“Holiness is not an attainment; it is the gift of God.”
Oswald Chambers
While discipline and willpower have a role, the ultimate source of our holiness is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and guides us in holy living. By continuously yielding to the Holy Spirit’s control in our lives, we become obedient to His leading.
EXECUTE | Building holy habits
This pursuit of holiness begins with our agreeing with God’s judgments and aligning our lives with His Word. J.C. Ryle describes it as “…hating what He hates, and loving what He loves.”
Pursuing holiness includes acknowledging sin, repentance, confession, and accepting God’s forgiveness, and through this process, we restore fellowship with God and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Assimilating Rev. Pritchett’s observations above (entirely dependent on God working in our lives, having a vital union with Christ, and constantly being carried by the Holy Spirit), signifies our actively seeking holiness in our lives. Let’s flesh this out a bit more as we look at building holy habits:
Holiness through renewing our mind. Transformation begins with a renewed mind. This perspective, rooted in Romans 12:2, highlights the importance of aligning one’s thoughts with godly principles as part of pursuing holiness. It is closely related to orienting our affections, emotions, and reason around God’s Word.
Holiness through grace. The C.S. Lewis Institute underscores that holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but is made possible by God’s grace. It’s a partnership where believers cooperate with God’s transformative work, cultivating a habit of “surgically removing sin”, by digging down to the root causes of sin.
Holiness through discipline. Developing disciplines such as prayer and Scripture study are key to pursuing holiness. Holiness is not about pretending but about becoming who we are in Christ, by “clothing ourselves” with Christ, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our character gradually–but persistently.
Holiness through accountability. Accountability within a community of believers is crucial in the pursuit of holiness. Meaning, that we have the support, encouragement, and even correction we need when necessary. Fellowship with godly believers is a powerful means of grace for growth in holiness.
Separating ourselves from sin and pursuing holiness requires God’s grace, discipline, a renewed mind, and accountability within a Christian community.
Rooted in God’s character, the pursuit of holiness is not only an act of obedience but also a source of joy, spiritual growth, and transformation as we draw nearer to God, reflecting His character, and glorifying Him in our lives. Making the cultivation of holy habits essential steps in this journey of becoming who we are made to be in Christ.
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Further Reading:
Let’s talk about sin
Pursue Holiness
Young men with holy habits
Bibletools: Pursue Holiness
Seek after holiness without which no one will see the Lord
Why is it important for believers to be in pursuit of holiness
Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash