Many Christians deeply misunderstand what true holiness is, which leads to confusion and failure in their attempts to pursue it. Some think holiness is about outward actions, like performing religious rituals or avoiding certain sins, but true holiness goes much deeper. In this chapter, I will explain the nature of holiness as the transformation of the whole person into the image of God, reflecting His perfect righteousness and love.
The Nature of True Holiness
Holiness is not merely an external behavior or a set of rules. It begins in the heart and affects the whole person—our thoughts, desires, and actions. True holiness is being conformed to the image of God, as Paul writes:
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29).
This transformation is a work of God, making us like Him in His righteousness and holiness. It involves living in love—both love for God and love for others—because God Himself is love (1 John 4:8).
Holiness as God’s Work
Holiness is not something we can produce on our own. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in us:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).
Our efforts alone cannot make us holy. Rather, God works in us to transform our hearts and minds, enabling us to live in obedience to His will:
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
Holiness and the Law
Some people think holiness is simply keeping God’s law. While obedience to God’s law is part of holiness, true holiness goes beyond mere rule-keeping. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time kept many laws outwardly, but their hearts were far from God. Jesus said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25).
True holiness is not just external obedience; it is loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
The Goal of Holiness
The ultimate goal of holiness is to glorify God. We were created in His image for this very purpose:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
When we live holy lives, we reflect God’s character to the world, showing His grace and power in transforming sinners into saints.
Holiness in Christ
True holiness cannot be achieved apart from Jesus Christ. He is the foundation and source of all holiness. By nature, we are sinful and unable to please God. As the prophet Isaiah writes:
“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6).
But Christ lived a perfectly holy life on our behalf and died to pay the penalty for our sins. Through faith in Him, we are united to Him and receive His righteousness as a gift:
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
This union with Christ is the key to holiness. As branches depend on the vine for life and growth, so we must depend on Christ to bear the fruit of holiness:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Holiness as a New Creation
When we are united to Christ, we are made new creations. The old, sinful nature is put to death, and we are given a new nature that desires to please God:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This transformation affects every part of our lives. It begins in the heart but works outward, changing our attitudes, words, and actions to align with God’s will.
The Role of Faith in Holiness
Faith is essential to holiness because it unites us to Christ and allows us to receive His grace. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith trusts in Christ’s finished work for salvation and relies on His power to overcome sin and live a holy life.
Faith also enables us to see God’s promises as greater than the fleeting pleasures of sin. As Moses chose to endure hardship with God’s people rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:25), so faith leads us to pursue the lasting joy found in obedience to God.
The Pursuit of Holiness
Although holiness is God’s work in us, it requires our active participation. Scripture calls us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). This does not mean earning salvation by our efforts but responding to God’s grace with diligence and perseverance.
Means of Growth in Holiness
God has provided several means by which we grow in holiness:
- The Word of God: Scripture is the primary tool the Holy Spirit uses to sanctify us:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). - Prayer: Through prayer, we seek God’s strength to resist temptation and grow in grace (Matthew 26:41).
- The Fellowship of Believers: The church is essential for mutual encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25).
- The Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper remind us of our union with Christ and His ongoing work in us (Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 11:26).
- Trials and Discipline: God uses hardships to refine our character and deepen our dependence on Him (Hebrews 12:10–11).
Holiness and Assurance
Holiness is not only the evidence of our salvation but also the source of our assurance. When we see the fruit of holiness in our lives, it confirms that God is at work in us. Peter exhorts us:
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).
While we must not rely on our works for assurance, a growing pattern of holiness provides encouragement that our faith is genuine.
Conclusion
True holiness is the work of God in the believer, transforming us into His image through union with Christ. It begins in the heart, affects every part of our lives, and is pursued through faith and the means of grace. Holiness is both our calling and our privilege, as it allows us to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Summarized From Walter Marshall’s The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification.
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