Understanding Holiness

his is a series of teaching notes delivered on the Holiness Conference by Daniel Okeme and Pius Ohue.


The importance of holiness is highlighted by the following Scriptures: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mat.5:8), and “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb.12:14). The first implication of the highlighted Scriptures is that there is a link between purity of heart and holiness, for they are both described as prerequisites for seeing God. The second implication is that we cannot see God (neither in this world nor in the world to come) if we are not holy.


From the onset, we need to know that holiness is the end-product of a progressive work of God in our lives. For this reason, we need to understand the relationship between righteousness, sanctification and holiness. To start with, they do not speak to the same thing, even though they are related subjects. The Bible makes a clear distinction between one and the other. Again, there is a positional aspect, as well as a progressive aspect to each of these doctrines of the Word of God. We will yet consider this. For now, we need to know that, at both levels, one thing is predicated on another.
 

Generally, righteousness is a relationship-related word, speaking to right standing and right relationship with God. Holiness, on the other hand, refers to an intrinsic quality possessed by something or someone.

Finally, sanctification speaks to separation, being set apart for divine purposes. In the divine arrangement of things, sanctification seems to come before righteousness and holiness. However, all three are included in the initial package. In other words, at the positional level, we are sanctified, righteous and holy. But we need to build on this foundation by seeking progressive sanctification, walking in righteousness and living a holy life.


 In 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul acknowledges the link between sanctification and righteousness, establishing that Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 6:17, he acknowledges the relationship between sanctification and holiness: “Come out from among them and be ye separate (sanctification) and touch not the unclean thing” (holiness). This is buttressed by 1 Thes.4:3-7: “For this is the will of God, even your SANCTIFICATION, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour…for God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto HOLINESS” (emphasis ours).


Understanding Sanctification
As stated above, “sanctification” speaks to separation, being set apart for divine purposes. Under the Old Covenant, the Lord often sanctified (or set apart) people and things. The list of sanctified people and things included the Children of Israel, every firstborn child in Israel, the priests, portions of sacrificial offerings, the Tabernacle of the Congregation (or Tent of Meeting),  the bronze altar, houses and fields of men  (see Exo.13:2, 19:10, 28:41, 29:44). The scope of the application of the word “sanctification” is further broadened when we remember that the Lord judged Moses and Aaron for not sanctifying Him; or setting Him apart in their hearts as the God that must be honoured and obeyed (see Num.20:12, Isa.8:12-13).
 
Under the New Covenant, sanctification is part of the initial package of salvation. 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 confirms this: “Paul…unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…” At this level, sanctification is imputed, and this is usually described as “positional sanctification.” The believer in Christ is expected to build on this, and this is where “progressive sanctification” comes in: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 The.5:23).