For each one of us when we hear the word "holy" or "holiness" it brings to mind certain things which are usually more based on our past experiences than an understanding of the Biblical concepts of holiness. Some of our past experiences regarding holiness were centered on things like - the manner in which individuals dressed, personal grooming, behaviors and actions, even on our participation in activities like movies and dancing. Today most of us have rejected these superficial aspects of the concept of holiness, but we still struggle with completely understanding God's holiness. And, perhaps equally relevant to us as individuals - What does the holiness of God mean to me?
In my quest to understand God's holiness I began where the wording and concept is first introduced in the Bible. In Genesis chapter 2 we find God blessing the seventh day in His creative process and making that day holy: "Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Genesis 2:3 (NIV) At times our translators have used a couple of very similar words in describing the process of God making something holy, in various places using the word sanctified. However, whichever word might be used it seems to come from the same Hebrew root word found in Genesis 2:3:
- H6942 - qâdash - (kaw-dash') A primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally): - appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.
There are two words used in the Strongs definition that we might need to make sure we understand - the first word is:
- consecrate - to make or declare sacred, to set apart or dedicate to the service or use of God, to devote or dedicate to some purpose.
The second word used in the Strong's definition that we should elaborate on is:
- sanctify - to make holy set apart as sacred, to purify and make free from sin.
Whether we are considering God's declaration of the seventh day, Sabbath, as holy; or we considering the conversation between Moses and God found in Exodus 3:5 where God says, "...Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.", we now begin to see what God is talking about when He speaks of something being holy. It would be:
- free from sin - purified
- hallowed (honored, revered)
- set apart from the unholy
- declared, appointed, prepared and dedicated to His service and His purpose
So now when we consider God's command to His people, the Israelites, in Leviticus 11:45 "...therefore be holy, because I am holy." we have a whole new appreciation for what He is saying. This is not just an Old Testament concept. The Apostle Peter emphasizes God's heart when he writes under the direction of the Holy Spirit in 1 Peter 1:15-16 as he adds to and quotes from Leviticus 11:45:
- But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all that you do; for it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."
How does the holiness of God impact our life? First, as we understand His holiness, we realize that our holiness is completely and utterly dependent upon our submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our life:
- May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. 1 Thessalonians 5:23a (NIV)
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Now if we are unwilling to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who is the One who makes us holy - then we might expect to find the following in our lives:
- bondage to sin and impurity - remember that if we sow in sin, we reap in sin and sin has a generational component
- a lack of reverence, honor and respect for God
- we are not set apart for God
- we are not prepared or dedicated to God's service and God's purpose
Secondly, God's holiness impacts us in that to the degree that we submit to God - He makes us holy - and, we begin to focus on Him and not other things:
- But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,.. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Finally, as our level of understanding of God's awesome holiness increases, we see it directly impacting our lives. Holiness is not about the absence of certain things from our lives and conduct - or even the presence of certain things in our lives and conduct - it is about the presence of the person of Jesus Christ.
- Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
God's holiness impacts us in that when we embrace it, walk in it, and live it out we are free to be the person that He created and redeemed us to be! Praise be to His Holy Name.
