Topical Bible: Holiness and Purity

Topical Encyclopedia

Holiness

Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature and character of God. The term "holy" is derived from the Hebrew word "qadosh" and the Greek word "hagios," both of which signify being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. Holiness is intrinsic to God's nature, as seen in Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."

God's holiness is the standard for His people. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "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.'"

Holiness involves both moral purity and a dedication to God's service. It requires separation from sin and a commitment to God's will. The process of sanctification, or becoming holy, is a work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8: "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit."

Purity

Purity, closely related to holiness, emphasizes the absence of moral contamination or defilement. It involves both external actions and internal thoughts and intentions. In the Old Testament, purity often related to ceremonial cleanliness, as seen in the various laws and rituals prescribed in Leviticus. However, the prophets and later the New Testament writers emphasized the importance of inner purity.

Psalm 24:3-4 asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully." This passage highlights that purity is not merely about external observance but also about the condition of the heart.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of inner purity in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:8 states, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This beatitude underscores the necessity of purity for fellowship with God.

Purity is also a key aspect of Christian living. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." Purity in thought, word, and deed is essential for those who seek to live a life pleasing to God.

The pursuit of purity is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to overcome sin and live in accordance with God's will. In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages believers to focus on what is pure: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things."

Holiness and purity are thus intertwined, reflecting the call for believers to live lives that honor God, set apart from the world and dedicated to His service.