What Does It Mean To Live A Holy Life?
Understanding Holiness: What Does It Mean To Live A Holy Life?
Living a holy life is a central calling for every believer in Christ. The concept of holiness weaves throughout the pages of Scripture, from the Old Testament command, “Ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44 ASV), to the New Testament’s exhortation to be “saints”—a word literally meaning “holy ones.” But what does it truly mean to live a holy life, and how is this possible for sinful human beings?
The Foundation of Holiness: God’s Character
Holiness begins with God Himself. The Bible repeatedly testifies that God is holy, entirely separate from sin and utterly pure in all His ways:
Who is like unto thee, O Jehovah, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? - Exodus 15:11 ASV
Because God is holy, He calls His people to reflect His character:
but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:15-16 ASV
Holiness and Salvation: Set Apart in Christ
Living a holy life is not about achieving moral perfection through human effort. Instead, holiness is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. At salvation, believers are set apart—made holy—because of Christ’s sacrifice:
By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. - Hebrews 10:10 ASV
This “sanctification” means that God declares us holy in His sight, not because of our works, but because of Christ’s righteousness credited to us (2 Corinthians 5:21 ASV). However, this positional holiness leads to a practical calling: to live out what God has already declared us to be.
The Pursuit of Holiness: Daily Living
Holiness in daily life involves turning away from sin and striving to obey God’s commands out of love and gratitude for His grace. The Apostle Paul describes this ongoing process:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… - Romans 12:1-2 ASV
The pursuit of holiness is not a solitary endeavor. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides believers, producing the “fruit of the Spirit” in their lives:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control… - Galatians 5:22-23 ASV
The Purpose of Holiness: Witness and Worship
Why does God call His people to be holy? One reason is to reflect His character to the watching 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
Holiness is also an act of worship, a response to God’s mercy:
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1 ASV
Common Questions About Living a Holy Life
- Is holiness possible in a sinful world?
- What is the difference between “positional” and “practical” holiness?
- How can I overcome habitual sin?
- Is holiness the same as legalism?
- How does the Holy Spirit help us live holy lives?
Conclusion
Living a holy life is God’s gracious calling for every Christian. It is both a gift—rooted in Christ’s finished work—and a daily pursuit, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we seek to be holy, we do so not to earn God’s favor, but because we have already received it through faith in Jesus Christ. Holiness, then, is both our identity and our mission: to reflect God’s character and bring Him glory in all we do.