The Bible is clear in its teaching that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). This means that heaven is reserved for those who strive to live a holy life, in obedience to God’s commands and in imitation of Christ’s example. We will explore the importance of holiness and the characteristics of holy people, as revealed in the Bible.
Importance of Holiness:
Holiness is not an optional extra for the Christian life; it is a fundamental requirement. The Bible teaches that God is holy (Isaiah 6:3) and that He calls His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). This call to holiness is not a suggestion, but a command. The apostle Paul urges us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Holiness is important because it is the means by which we demonstrate our love for God and our obedience to His commands. Jesus said, If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15). Keeping God’s commandments requires us to live a holy life, separated from sin and devoted to Him.
Holiness is also the means by which we prepare ourselves for heaven. The Bible teaches that nothing unclean will enter heaven (Revelation 21:27). This means that we must be holy, pure, and blameless in order to enter God’s presence. The apostle Peter reminds us that as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 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’ (1 Peter 1:14-16).
Characteristics of Holy People:
So, what does it mean to be holy? What are the characteristics of holy people? The Bible gives us several examples of holy people and the qualities that define them.
First, holy people are those who fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and the foundation of a holy life. The psalmist writes, The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether (Psalm 19:9). Fearing God means recognizing His sovereignty, submitting to His will, and obeying His commands.
Second, holy people are those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the source of holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8). The apostle Paul writes, But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His (Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a holy life and convicts us of sin.
Third, holy people are those who are separated from the world. The Bible teaches that we are to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:14-16). This means that we are to be distinct from the world, not conformed to its patterns of thinking and behavior. The apostle Paul writes, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Fourth, holy people are those who are characterized by love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruit of the Spirit are the evidence of a holy life and the mark of a true follower of Christ.
The Bible is clear in its teaching that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). This truth is a solemn reminder that holiness is not optional for the Christian, but rather a vital aspect of the faith. To enter heaven, one must be holy, just as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Holiness is the state of being pure, upright, and undefiled. It is to be set apart for God and His purposes. The call to holiness is a call to be different from the world, to live according to God’s commands and to strive for perfection in love (Matthew 5:48).
The importance of holiness cannot be overstated. It is a non-negotiable aspect of the Christian life, and it is through holiness that we are able to have a genuine relationship with God. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, God exhorts his people, Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. This call to separation is a call to holiness, and it is only through a life of holiness that we can be confident of our salvation and our place in heaven.
We must have a deep and abiding love for God. They desire to please Him in all that they do and say, and they strive to live in obedience to His commands. Holy people also have a heart for others and a desire to see them come to know and love God. They are generous, kind, and compassionate, and they seek to serve others in whatever way they can.
Holy people are humble. They recognize that they are nothing without God and that all good things come from Him. They do not seek to exalt themselves, but rather to exalt God and give Him all the glory.
Additionally, holy people are faithful. They are committed to following God, no matter the cost. They are steadfast in their faith, even in the face of trials and difficulties. They trust in God’s promises and believe that He is always faithful to keep them.
Finally, holy people are prayerful. They recognize the importance of communication with God and they seek to spend time with Him in prayer. They pray for themselves, for others, and for the world, and they trust in the power of prayer to bring about change.
In summary, the importance of holiness cannot be overstated. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Holiness is a call to be different from the world, to live according to God’s commands and to strive for perfection in love. The characteristics of holy people include a deep and abiding love for God, a heart for others, humility, faithfulness, and prayerfulness. May we all strive to live lives of holiness, so that we may be confident of our salvation and our place in heaven.
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 1:15-16)
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in 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.’ (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
But the holy people of the land are my special possession; they are my servants, and I will protect them. (Jeremiah 14:9)
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
(1 Peter 2:9).
Anyone who desire heaven must be holy.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
