Holiness.
It’s a word we hear often, but do we really understand what it means?
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear it?
For some, it may be an image of a saintly figure in a white robe, hands folded in prayer, untouched by the world.
Others may associate it with religious rituals, church traditions, or even a set of rules that seem impossible to follow.
But what if I told you that holiness is far more profound—and far more personal—than any of these ideas?
What if I told you that holiness isn’t just for the so-called “super-Christians” but for every single believer, including you?
Let’s dig deep into what the Bible really says about holiness and why it matters more than you think.
What Does It Mean to Be Holy?
The word “holy” is mentioned in the Bible over 600 times.
That alone tells us it’s an important subject!
In Hebrew, the word for holy is qodesh, which means “set apart” or “sacred.”
In Greek, the word is hagios, meaning “pure” or “morally blameless.”
From the very definition, we see that holiness is about separation—being distinct, different, and dedicated to a special purpose.
And here’s the key: Holiness isn’t just about following a list of dos and don’ts.
It’s about being set apart for Yahweh, belonging to Him, and reflecting His character in our lives.
Holiness Means Being Separate
When Yahweh called Israel to be His people, He didn’t just want them to blend in with the world. He wanted them to stand out. Exodus 19:5-6 says:
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (NKJV)
Israel was to be different. Distinct. A beacon of light in a dark world. And guess what? The same applies to us today.
1 Peter 2:9 echoes this truth:
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (NKJV)
To be holy is to be called out.
To live differently.
To refuse to conform to the world’s standards but instead, rise to Yahweh’s standards.
God’s Holiness: The Ultimate Standard
Before we talk about how we can be holy, we need to understand who defines holiness. And that’s Yahweh Himself.
He is the source of holiness, and His very nature is pure, righteous, and completely set apart from sin.
Isaiah 6:3 gives us a breathtaking picture of Yahweh’s holiness:
“And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'” (NKJV)
Did you catch that?
The angels don’t just say “holy” once.
They repeat it three times.
Nowhere in the Bible do we see love, love, love or grace, grace, grace—but we do see holy, holy, holy.
This tells us that holiness is at the very core of who Yahweh is.
And because Yahweh is holy, He calls us to be holy too.
1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds us:
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” (NKJV)
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Holiness Is Not Optional
Some people think holiness is just for pastors, priests, or spiritual leaders.
But holiness is not a choice—it’s a command. Hebrews 12:14 makes it clear:
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (NKJV)
Did you catch that last part?
Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
That’s serious.
If we want to be close to Yahweh, holiness isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity.
Holiness Requires Transformation
Being holy doesn’t mean you become a monk and cut yourself off from the world.
It’s about an internal transformation—a change in the way we think, act, and live. Romans 12:1-2 explains it perfectly:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NKJV)
Holiness is not just about avoiding sin—it’s about pursuing righteousness. It’s about allowing Yahweh to shape our character so that we reflect His nature more and more each day.
How Do We Pursue Holiness?
Holiness isn’t something we achieve on our own. It’s a partnership between us and Yahweh. Here’s how:
- Let Yahweh Work in You – Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Let Him change you from the inside out.
- Obey His Word – Leviticus 20:7-8 says, “Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them.” Obedience is key to holiness.
- Separate Yourself from Sin – We cannot serve Yahweh while living like the world. 2 Corinthians 6:17 reminds us: “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s Power – Holiness is impossible in our own strength. But with the Holy Spirit, we can overcome sin and live righteously.
Final Thoughts: The Pursuit of Holiness
The world tells us to pursue happiness. To chase success, wealth, and pleasure. But the Bible tells us to pursue holiness.
Holiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about dedication. It’s about setting yourself apart for Yahweh’s purpose, allowing Him to transform you, and striving to reflect His character in all that you do.
So today, ask yourself: Am I pursuing holiness? Am I allowing Yahweh to shape my life? Or am I conforming to the world?
The choice is yours. But remember: Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
Let’s strive for holiness—not just in appearance, but in heart, mind, and soul. Let’s live set-apart lives that glorify Yahweh and point others to Him. Because holiness isn’t just a call—it’s a privilege.
Will you answer the call?
