HOLINESS

In the life of a child of God, holiness is the doctrine around which all other doctrines center. God wills, provides for, and demands a holy life, free from sin.

  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Titus 2:12
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23
  • Luke 1:74-75
  • 1 Peter 1:15-16

Holiness was taught by Jesus, James, Peter, Paul, John, and Jude.

  • John 5:14, 8:11
  • James 2:10
  • 1 Peter 4:1-2
  • Romans 6:1-18
  • 1 John 1:7, 2:1, 3:7-10
  • Jude 24

Holiness is not possible through man’s efforts alone, but through the grace of God and the Spirit of God.

  • Romans 6:14, 8:13-14
  • Ephesians 2:8

Holiness is first inward, starting in a person’s heart through salvation, or the new birth.

  • Matthew 23:25-28
  • Ezekiel 36:26-27
  • Jeremiah 24:7
  • Hebrews 8:10
  • Proverbs 4:23

Inward holiness is manifested outwardly through the way a person lives. The Bible provides practical ways to express inward holiness, including the following:   

  • having godly virtues (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • doing good to others (Galatians 5:14, 6:9-10)
  • honesty (Romans 12:17; Proverbs 6:16-19)
  • civil obedience (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17)
  • subjection to parental authority (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20)
  • wearing modest apparel (1 Timothy 2:8-10) 

A person having inward holiness will not be involved in adultery, stealing, drunkenness, or other ungodly activities such as pride, selfishness, inordinate indulgence of carnal appetites, hatred, hostility, prejudice, envy, or partiality.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
  • Galatians 5:19-24
  • Ephesians 4:22-24, 5:1-8
  • Colossians 3:5-10
  • Psalm 24:3-5
  • Titus 2:12 

A holy person will keep his heart and mind pure.

  • Galatians 5:24
  • Philippians 4:7-8
  • Ephesians 4:22-24

Holiness is first God-ward, and then man-ward. God has granted us deliverance unto holiness all the days of our lives.

  • Acts 24:16
  • Luke 1:75

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