Holiness is a word that at times feels over-the-top. It sounds so churchy and self-righteous. How can we as sinful humans actually be holy? Is it even possible? What does it even mean? Are there Bible verses about holiness or did an overly zealous preacher get a burr in his saddle?
Holiness has a two-fold definition. One part of holiness is separation unto God. Christians are called out of darkness and are set part fully to God. It’s total devotion to God. The other piece is our sharing in His purity and abstaining from sin.
A Princeton theologian coined the term “the already and not yet” in his research. When it comes to holiness we’re positionally (already) considered holy — we’re separated unto God. Experientially, we’re in the “not-yet” category. Here’s an article digging deeper into the “already and not yet” concept.
Our nature is sinful. We’re new creatures but still fail, fall, and goof up on a regular basis. We’ve been given weapons to fight this sinful nature. More importantly, God is working in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Also, the grace of God is teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (an article I wrote about grace).
The struggle against sin is real. It’s a moment-by-moment battle. The battle is not for the faint of heart.
Let’s dig into several Bible verses about holiness.
Bible Verses About Holiness — God is Holy
Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
I Chronicles 16:29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
Psalm 29:2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
I Samuel 2:2 There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Bible Verses About Holiness — Called to Holiness
St. Paul often reminded the readers of his epistles that they were called to be holy. He then proceeded to correct sinful behavior — the already and not yet.
God has set us apart for His pleasure.
I Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
Romans 1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.
Colossians 1:2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
Philemon 4-5 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.
Bible Verses About Holiness — The Holy One of Israel
Psalm 71:22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 47:4 Our Redeemer—the Lord Almighty is his name— is the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 78:14 Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 10:20 In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 89:18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
Ezekiel 39:7 I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel.
Bible Verses About Holiness — Holiness Is Commanded
Leviticus 19:2 Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.
Leviticus 20:7 Consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am the Lord your God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 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.
Ephesians 4:24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
Bible Verses About Holiness — God Empowers Us
God’s grace empowers us to holiness. Yes, we have a part to play in the process. Willpower is inadequate, though. The Holy Spirit purifies us from the inside out. Our efforts alone are futile.
Leviticus 20:8 Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
Leviticus 22:9 The priests are to perform my service in such a way that they do not become guilty and die for treating it with contempt. I am the Lord, who makes them holy.
I Corinthians 1:30 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.
I Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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.”
Hebrews 12:10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
Bible Verses About Holiness — Holiness in Psalms
Psalm 89:35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— and I will not lie to David.
Psalm 93:5 Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.
God’s Holiness is Splendid!
Psalm 96:9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
Holiness Quotes
“There is no shortcut to holiness” — Alan Redpath
“No man should desire to be happy who is not at the same time holy” — AW Tozer
“True holiness isn’t cold and deadening – it’s warm and inviting” — Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
“Holiness is an unselfing of ourselves” — Willam Faber
“Without holiness on earth, we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven. Heaven is a holy place. The Lord of heaven is a holy Being” — JC Ryle
“Many people think we become holy by the eradication of something evil within. No, we become holy by being separated unto God” — Watchman Nee
“Holiness, not happiness, is the chief end of man” — Oswald Chambers