Wholey HOLY

Now may the God of Peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23

While in Sunday School yesterday, the question was asked, “What is holiness?” Responses were: “Holiness is a lifestyle.” “Holiness is a standard.” “Holiness is a separation from sin and uncleanness.”

While all these answers are right and good, I’d like to offer one more:

“Holiness is a Nature. Specifically, it is the nature of God.”

I prefer this definition because it transcends holiness from a behavior to a state of being. In fact, according to 1 Peter 1:16, it is written, “Be holy, for I AM holy.”

God is holy so He cannot behave or act in any way that is not holy. On the other hand, unregenerated mankind is sinful (or naughty by nature), so individuals often can and do act in ways that are evil and wicked. This creates a dilemma for God wants man to be as He intended when He created him: “in Our image and after Our likeness” (Gen. 1:24)

Here’s the good news: The Holy God loves sinful mankind so much that He has provided a means for any and all to receive His very nature (which is holy) within and thereby become one with Him. This is what it means to be “born again”.

Once anyone is born again, he/she is a brand new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). As we mature and grow in our understanding and experience, we look, act, and talk more and more like our heavenly Father. And He will make sure that we ultimately attain the same complete, holy life that He Himself has always had, has now, and always will have.

So, for any and all who struggle with the concept and practice of holiness for human beings, just remember who our Father is and spend time getting to know Him for who He is. The more we know Him, the more like Him we will find we already are.  “You are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10a)

Remember, “Beloved, now are we the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He (Christ) is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)