Holiness is one of the attributes of God. God say himself, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). This means holiness is a tying or relational attribute that places us on the same arena with God. Without holiness, we cut our relationship with God.
By being holy, it means God is fully separated from sin, pure, and perfect. That is the condition what God expects us to be, separated from sin because it defiles his nature. When God considers something holy, it means it is his something set apart for him. For example, the temple was holy, set apart for him; Israel was a holy nation, set apart to live and reflect God’s nature.
There are three types of holiness described in the Bible. These are progressive holiness, positional holiness and ultimate holiness.
Let’s us look at progressive holiness and the other two will be dealt with subsequently.
Progressive holiness refers to the deliberate effort to be Christ- like in thought, motive and action. That is conditioning of one’s inner self to be like Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “We are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” This refers to the inner work by the Holy Spirit to transform us daily on our motives and desires from carnality.
It is not an event, but a gradual process as the Holy Spirit works your inner being step by step. This involves cooperation from the individual because it is not imposed. Philippians 3:18 encourages us, “Work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you, both to will and t work for his good pleasure.”
Progressive holiness manifest in real life changes when we see people changing from lying to telling the truth; managing anger as patience grows. A great commitment to Christ is seen. These changes are Holy Spirit driven as self-will is not enough. This is possible by staying next to God through prayer, meditation of God’s word and a deliberate effort to do the will of God.
Hebrew 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” This shows that, as an individual, you need to put a deliberate effort to be Christ like by guarding against anything that is defiling.
The subsequent issue will continues with this subject of holiness.
