THE HOLINESS OF GOD IN APOSTOLIC THEOLOGY*
*THE HOLINESS OF GOD IN APOSTOLIC THEOLOGY*
In Apostolic Theology, the holiness of God is a foundational attribute that defines His very nature and character, deeply rooted in the teachings of the apostles as recorded in the New Testament. Scripture emphasizes God's holiness, calling believers to reflect this quality in their lives. God’s holiness speaks of His moral purity, majesty, and separation from sin, inviting us to pursue a life set apart for Him.
*WHAT IS HOLINESS?*
- *Definition:* Holiness refers to God’s absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from all that is sinful or unclean. It describes God’s transcendent otherness, His wholeness, and the call for His people to be distinct and devoted to Him.
- *In Original Languages:*
- *Hebrew:* _קָדוֹשׁ (qadōsh)_ – From the root _קדשׁ (q-d-sh)_, meaning "to be separated, consecrated, or sanctified." Implies being set apart for God’s purpose.
- *Greek (NT):* _ἅγιος (hagios)_ – Means "set apart, sacred, morally pure," used for the Holy Spirit and believers.
- *Latin:* _sanctus_ – From _sancire_, meaning "to make sacred, consecrate," often used in liturgical contexts.
- *In Tagalog:* _Banal_ – Implies something or someone is sacred, set apart, and morally pure, often used to describe God and things dedicated to Him.
*SYNONYMS OF HOLINESS:*
- *English Synonyms:*
- Purity, sanctity, righteousness, godliness, devotion, consecration.
*WHO ARE SUBJECTS OF HOLINESS?*
- *Primarily God:* God is the ultimate source and embodiment of holiness (Isaiah 6:3).
- *Believers:* Christians are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), living lives set apart for God’s purposes, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- *Things/Places:* Certain objects, times, or places are designated as holy in Scripture for God’s service (e.g., the Temple, Sabbath).
*PURPOSE OF HOLINESS AND BEING HOLY:*
- *To Reflect God’s Character:* Believers are to mirror God’s holiness, showing His nature to the world (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- *For Relationship with God:* Holiness enables intimacy with God; "without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
- *For Service and Witness:* A holy life is a testimony of God’s transforming power, drawing others to Him (Matthew 5:16).
- *To Fulfill God’s Mission:* Living holy empowers believers to live purposefully, aligned with God’s plans (2 Timothy 1:9).
*HOW WE CAN LOVE HOLY (PURSUE HOLINESS)?*
- *Pursue Purity:* "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)
- *Consecration:* Set yourself apart for God’s purposes, surrendering to His will (Romans 12:1-2).
- *Obedience to Word:* Follow God’s commands and live righteously (Psalm 119:9).
- *Depend on the Spirit:* Let the Holy Spirit transform you into Christ’s likeness (Galatians 5:16, 22-23).
*MAIN POINTS:*
I. *GOD IS INHERENTLY HOLY*
- *Biblical References:*
- *Leviticus 11:44 (NIV)*: _"For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy."_*
- *Subpoint:* God commands Israel to be holy because He is holy.
- *1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)*: *"But just as he who called *you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"*
- *Subpoint:* Believers are called to pursue holiness in conduct and character.
II. *GOD’S HOLINESS DEMANDS PURITY AND SEPARATION*
- *Biblical References:*
- *Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)*: _"And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’"_*
- *Subpoint:* Emphasizes God’s supreme purity and majesty.
- *Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)*: _"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."_*
- *Subpoint:* Pursuing holiness is essential for a relationship with God.
III. *JESUS CHRIST ENABLES OUR HOLINESS*
- *Biblical References:*
- *1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)*: _"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption."_*
- *Subpoint:* Through Christ, believers are given holiness as a gift.
- *2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)*: _"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."_*
- *Subpoint:* Believers are encouraged to pursue holiness, empowered by God’s promises.
*CONCLUSION:*
God’s holiness is a call to awe, worship, and transformation. As He is holy, we are invited to live set apart, relying on Christ’s work and the Holy Spirit’s power to make us holy. This pursuit of holiness is a journey of reverence, purity, and devotion to God.
In *Tagalog (Ang Salita ng Diyos)*:
- _"Sapagkat ako ang Panginoon ninyong Diyos; magpakabanal nga kayo at maging banal, sapagkat ako ay banal." (Leviticus 11:44)_
- _"Ngunit yamang banal ang tumawag sa inyo, maging banal din kayo sa lahat ng inyong pamumuhay." (1 Pedro 1:15)_