How can I not believe in something that is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible? Holy, holiness, or some form of the word is mentioned over 600 times in the Scriptures. Sanctification is a word derived from the same Greek word as holiness, as is the word saint. Some form of these words is mentioned over 200 times. This subject must be a prime concern of the Author of the Book.
What is holiness?
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words gives the Greek word as hagiasmos with two basic meanings: 1) separation to God, and 2) the course of life befitting those so separated. “It is predicated of God (as the absolutely Holy One, in His purity, majesty and glory).” It is used of men and things in so far as they are devoted to God. Holiness as it relates to God speaks of His perfect character; “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Rev. 4:8). Holiness as it relates to man is actually God’s desire to have us share His nature. We have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature” (II Pet. 1:4). A Scottish theologian said, “Holiness consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” “Forgiveness is not the main point. Christianity is not about what we get from God. Christianity is about the transformation of our character into the likeness of God’s character” (John Oswalt).
Is it really necessary, or is it only for the super saint?
“Ye shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2). “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). “This is the will of God, even your sanctification” (I Thess. 4:3) This is much more than an option; it is a command. “Man has a double need – his sinful acts need pardon; his sinful nature needs cleansing, changing, purifying” (William Booth).
How is it obtained?
From my part there must be a desire to have it, there must be a separation from evil, and a submission to God. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt,5:6). “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (II Cor. 7:1). It is first of all a complete surrender to God, putting myself in His hands to do as He will. This is a one time, well thought out decision on my part. However, it is a surrender, which must be renewed constantly.
After I have made this surrender I find that my efforts are not enough to affect the desired change. Therefore, it requires the working of the Holy Spirit to perfect the work. ”1 am the Lord who makes you holy” (Lam. 20:8). “It is not more of the Spirit the lifeless Christian needs, but only that the Spirit should have more of him. And the conscious baptism is not the coming of the Spirit from the outside, but the full taking possession of the whole being by the Spirit already dwelling within” (Hannah Whitall Smith). Wingrove Taylor uses the analogy of marriage: “We get married in a moment of commitment, but it takes a lifetime to learn to live with one’s spouse.” “We must not forget that the separation from the world-spirit of sin is an act on our part. But the work of sanitizing and cleansing the human heart is an act of God” (D. Wayne Brown). I should not be surprised that not only will a righteous character be developed, but a destruction of anything that is not of His nature will take place.
Actually, it is not so much what I am or what I do, but Jesus Christ Himself producing His fruit through me. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). “The one marvelous secret of a holy life lies not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus manifest themselves in my mortal flesh” (Oswald Chambers).
What are the manifestations of holiness?
It will be evidenced by a surrendered life, a fruit producing life, a resemblance to Christ’s character. Andrew Murray also suggests that it will produce increasing humility. Beware of acting self-righteous. “The holiness of Jesus, the man, was such that sinners felt at ease and only hypocrites felt compelled to leave the room” (Denis Applebee). I like John Oswalt’s observation that holiness is a passion and not a performance.
In conclusion, consider these comments by Oswald Chambers. “Sanctification is not something Jesus Christ puts into me; it is Himself in me. Consecration is our part, sanctification is God’s part. The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness.”