The Importance Of Holiness In Christian Living

When we think about holiness, we often think about being pure or clean. In the Christian faith, holiness has a much deeper meaning. To be holy means to be set apart for God’s use. It means to be consecrated or dedicated to Him. The word “holy” comes from the Greek word “hagios” which means “sacred, pure, blameless, consecrated.”

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were called to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). This meant that they were to be different from the other nations around them. They were to be set apart for God’s purposes.

The same is true for Christians today. We are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). This means that we are to be different from the world around us. We are to be set apart for God’s purposes.

Why is it important for Christians to be holy?

There are several reasons why it is important for Christians to be holy.

First, God is holy (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8). As His children, we are to reflect His holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Second, holiness is required for fellowship with God (1 John 1:6, Hebrews 12:14). If we want to have fellowship with God, we must be holy.

Third, holiness is a sign of our salvation (Ephesians 4:24, 1 John 3:2-3). When we are saved, we are made new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are given a new nature. This new nature is holy. As we grow in our faith, we should see more and more holiness in our lives.

Fourth, holiness is necessary for effective Christian living (1 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 12:1). If we are going to live effective Christian lives, we must be holy. We cannot live for Christ and the world at the same time. We must set our affections on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2).

Fifth, holiness is required for ministry (1 Timothy 3:1-13, 2 Timothy 2:21). If we are going to be used by God in ministry, we must be holy. Those who are in ministry must have a good reputation with those outside the faith (1 Timothy 3:7).

Sixth, holiness is to be our goal (Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). We are to strive for holiness. We are to pursue it. We are to grow in holiness. As we do, we will be more and more like Christ.

How can we grow in holiness?

There are several things we can do to grow in holiness.

First, we must study God’s Word. The Bible is our guide for living. It is how we know what is right and wrong. It is how we know what it means to be holy. As we study God’s Word, we will be changed. We will be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Second, we must pray. We need to communicate with God. We need to tell Him our desires. We need to ask Him for help. As we pray, we will be changed. We will be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Third, we must fellowship with other believers. As we fellowship with other believers, we will be encouraged and challenged to live holy lives. We will be reminded of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We will be encouraged to pursue holiness.

Fourth, we must serve. As we serve others, we will be reminded of our own need for Christ. We will be reminded of our own sinfulness. We will be challenged to live for Christ and not for ourselves.

Fifth, we must witness. As we share our faith with others, we will be challenged to live holy lives. We will be reminded of our need to be Christ-like in our words and actions. We will be challenged to be a witness for Christ in everything we do.

No one said that the Christian life would be easy. But it is worth it. As we pursue holiness, we will be changed. We will be transformed into the image of Christ. And one day, we will be with Him forever.