What Is Holiness? A Bible-Based Definition
Before exploring the key Scriptures, it’s important to understand what the Bible means by holiness.
The holiness definition (Bible-based) is to be set apart for God. It’s about purity of heart, integrity of spirit, and devotion to God’s purpose. Holiness means reflecting God’s nature in how we live, love, and serve others.
In other words, holiness isn’t just moral perfection, it’s about belonging to God completely.
“Be holy, because I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16 (NIV)
This verse reveals that holiness begins with God Himself. Holiness in the Bible is not merely a human goal, it’s God’s character reproduced in His people.
1. Leviticus 20:26 – Set Apart for God
“You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
From the very beginning, God called His people to be distinct. This Scripture captures the essence of the holiness definition Bible readers should know: to live differently, not out of pride, but out of purpose. Holiness means living in dedication to God in every area of life.
2. Isaiah 6:3 – The Glory of God’s Holiness
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Isaiah’s vision reveals that holiness is at the very core of who God is. His holiness fills the earth and defines His majesty. When we grasp this vision, our worship becomes deeper and our hearts become humbled.
This verse reminds us that holiness in the Bible is not just about rules, it’s about awe. To encounter a holy God is to be transformed.
3. Hebrews 12:14 – Pursuing Holiness Every Day
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Holiness isn’t optional, it’s essential. The Christian life involves an active pursuit of holiness. It shapes our relationships and our daily walk with God. True holiness shows in how we treat others; with grace, peace, and love.
4. Romans 12:1 – Holiness as Worship
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship”
Here, holiness is described as worship. It’s not limited to Sunday services, it’s a lifestyle. Every act of obedience, every display of compassion, becomes an offering to God. That’s the true heart of the holiness definition, devotion expressed through life.
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Called to Holy Living
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
Holiness is not a restriction; it’s a calling. It’s God inviting us into a higher way of living. Holiness transforms us from the inside out, helping us reflect Christ’s purity in a world that desperately needs light.
6. 2 Corinthians 7:1 – Perfecting Holiness in Reverence
“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
This verse reveals that holiness is both a gift and a journey. The Holy Spirit enables us to grow daily; refining our thoughts, actions, and desires. Holiness in the Bible is a process of becoming more like Jesus as we walk in reverence to God.
7. Ephesians 4:22–24 – The New Life of Holiness
“Put off your old self… and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Holiness begins when we surrender our old ways and allow God to renew our minds. In Christ, we receive a new nature, one that mirrors God’s righteousness and truth. This is one of the clearest pictures of the holiness definition Bible readers can hold onto.
Living Out Holiness in the Modern World
Holiness may sound like an ancient concept, but it’s incredibly relevant today. In a culture where compromise is common, God still calls His people to live differently; honestly, compassionately, and courageously.
To live holy means:
- Setting your heart apart for God’s purpose.
- Reflecting His character in your decisions.
- Depending on His Spirit to grow in righteousness.
Holiness isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction. Each day, we move closer to God’s likeness through surrender and faith.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Holiness
Understanding the holiness definition (Bible) helps us see that holiness isn’t a distant ideal, it’s an invitation into intimacy with God. He doesn’t just command us to be holy; He empowers us to be.
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” — 1 Peter 1:15
As you meditate on these Scriptures about holiness, let them draw you closer to the One who makes us holy.
To dive deeper into this topic, listen to sermons about holiness and spiritual growth on GetSermons, a space to encounter truth that renews your mind and transforms your walk with God.