What Does Holiness Mean In The New Testament?
Understanding Holiness in the New Testament
Holiness is a recurring and central theme in the New Testament, shaping how believers understand their relationship with God and their conduct in the world. The concept has roots in the Old Testament but takes on new depth and application through the person and work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
1. The Meaning of Holiness
In the New Testament, the Greek word for holy, hagios, conveys the idea of being "set apart" for God’s purposes. Holiness is not merely moral purity, though that is included; it is primarily about belonging to God and being distinct from the world.
The call to holiness is rooted in God's own character:
because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:16 ASV
Here, Peter quotes from Leviticus, showing the continuity of God's call to holiness from the Old to the New Covenant.
2. Holiness as Positional and Practical
Holiness in the New Testament has both a positional and a practical aspect.
-
Positional Holiness: Through faith in Jesus, believers are declared holy ("sanctified") because they are united with Christ.
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, even them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints... - 1 Corinthians 1:2 ASV
All Christians, regardless of maturity, are "saints" (holy ones) by virtue of Christ’s work.
-
Practical Holiness: Believers are also called to pursue holiness in daily living, reflecting their new identity.
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord: - Hebrews 12:14 ASV
This process, often called sanctification, is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ.
3. Holiness Through Christ and the Spirit
The New Testament emphasizes that true holiness cannot be achieved by human effort alone. It is the work of Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit:
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: - 1 Corinthians 1:30 ASV
But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. - Galatians 5:16 ASV
Christians are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to produce the fruit of holiness in their lives.
4. The Purpose and Witness of Holiness
Holiness is not an end in itself, but serves a greater purpose: to glorify God and serve as a witness in the world.
Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16 ASV
A holy life points others to God’s transforming power and invites them to experience His grace.
5. Holiness and Assurance
Holiness is not a means of earning salvation, but the evidence that salvation has taken place. Assurance rests on Christ’s finished work, not on our own performance:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
Yet, the desire and growth in holiness confirm the reality of our relationship with Him.
Conclusion
Holiness in the New Testament is both a gift and a calling. Believers are set apart in Christ and called to live distinctly in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit, reflecting God’s character and pointing others to Him.