What Is Holiness?

Holiness is not a denominational requirement; it is God’s command. It is not a doctrine exclusive to certain churches or movements but a reflection of God’s own nature, required for all who seek to dwell with Him. Holiness is essential to our faith, as Hebrews 12:14 states, “Without holiness, no man will see the Lord.” This is not optional—it is foundational to walking with God.

Holiness: God’s Eternal Plan

The call to holiness predates human history. Ephesians 1:4 declares, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Holiness is not an afterthought; it has always been God’s intention for humanity. God is holy, and His nature is incompatible with sin. Just as fish cannot survive on dry land, God cannot dwell where sin abides. In Him, there is no darkness, only light (1 John 1:5). Holiness is His essential property, and to live with Him, we must reflect that same purity.

What Is Holiness?

Holiness is more than just moral perfection; it is being entirely set apart for God. It involves sanctification—the transformative process of being cleansed from sin and made pure. This is not an unattainable ideal but a divine promise. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 declares, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Notice how the verse emphasizes being blameless in our whole spirit, soul, and body. This means holiness must reach every part of our being—not just our outward actions but also our inner thoughts, desires, and intentions. How can we remain blameless if we continue sinning, whether in our actions or in the hidden places of our hearts and minds?

True holiness begins within, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:28: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” It requires a heart that is fully surrendered to God, purified by His sanctifying grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to reject sin and live in obedience—not just outwardly but in the very core of our being.

Holiness is the bare minimum of Christianity. It is not reserved for spiritual elites; it is required of every believer. This is why many Christians throughout history, such as D.L. Moody and Charles Spurgeon, emphasized holiness despite not being part of “holiness denominations.” Holiness is not tied to a label but to the very character of God. Moody taught that believers need an infilling of the Holy Spirit to empower their walk with the Lord. Spurgeon, in his sermon “Holiness Demanded,“ expounded on Hebrews 12:14, emphasizing that practical, personal holiness is essential for seeing the Lord.

The Journey to Holiness

Holiness involves two distinct experiences:

1. Salvation: In this first step, we confess, repent, and believe in Christ, receiving forgiveness for our sins (1 John 1:9).
2. Sanctification: This second work of grace cleanses our hearts from the sinful nature inherited through Adam (1 John 1:7). Sanctification occurs as we consecrate ourselves to God, surrendering every part of our lives to Him (Romans 12:1).

These two experiences are distinct but interconnected. Salvation is forgiveness; sanctification is purification. Together, they fulfill the double cure of sin, as described in the hymn Rock of Ages: “Be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure.”

Misconceptions About Holiness

Many believe the lie that entire sanctification is unattainable in this life, but the Bible disagrees. God calls us to live a holy life now, not in some distant future. Romans 12:1 challenges us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Holiness does not mean freedom from human frailty or struggles, but it does mean freedom from the dominion of sin. A holy life reflects the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why Pursue Holiness?

Holiness is essential because it prepares us to dwell with God. He has provided everything we need for this journey, but we must labor in prayer and obedience to experience it. God’s call to holiness is a call to transformation, where we stop sinning, commune with Him daily, and live as vessels of His light in a dark world.

Final Admonition

The Bible is our roadmap to heaven, and on the day of judgment, our opinions or personal interpretations of Scripture will not matter. What matters is God’s unchanging Word and His will for us. Holiness has always been His requirement, dating back to the Old Testament. Consider the story of Achan in Joshua 7. When God commanded that all items in Jericho be destroyed, Achan disobeyed and kept some for himself. As a result, Israel suffered a devastating defeat at Ai. Achan, his family, and his possessions were stoned and burned, emphasizing that sin defiles and must be purged for God’s holiness and favor to remain.

When we rationalize sin or justify things that are clearly wrong in God’s eyes, we defile ourselves. Matthew 7:21 warns us: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Holiness is not a theological debate—it is a divine command. I write this in love because I do not want any of your souls to perish. God calls us to be holy, pure, and fully consecrated to His will.

1 Corinthians 10:21 draws a sharp line: “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” We must choose which side we are on. We cannot profess to be Christians while continuing in sin. If you are still living in sin, you remain a sinner and are called to repentance (Revelation 2:5). Let this serve as a solemn warning: holiness is not optional. It is God’s requirement for all who desire to dwell with Him.

A Loving Call to Action

Dear friend, are you seeking sanctification—the beautiful work of God that purifies your heart and sets you apart for Him? Have you surrendered everything to God, allowing Him to cleanse you completely? If not, let me encourage you with love: now is the time. Holiness is not a heavy burden but a pathway to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. It is the key to experiencing His peace, joy, and presence in your life.

Take a moment to pray and open your heart to Him. Consecrate yourself fully, trusting in His promises. He is faithful and eager to complete this work in you if you are willing to surrender. You don’t have to strive alone—His grace will empower you every step of the way.

Jesus lovingly reminds us in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This is His desire for you—to purify your heart so you can walk in His light and dwell in His presence. Holiness is not just a lofty goal; it is your calling, your privilege, and your joy as a child of God.

I urge you, not with condemnation but with love, to embrace this call. Seek Him for holiness, commune with Him daily, and allow Him to transform your life. He is waiting for you with open arms. Will you answer His loving invitation today?