The beauty of a holy God

Holiness is not drab or dour. Scripture calls us into awe, wonder, and worship before the radiance of God’s own purity and goodness. “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness” (Psalm 29:2). The same refrain returns, “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth” (Psalm 96:9).

This beauty is the blaze at the center of reality. The seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). To speak of holiness, then, is to speak of God’s loveliness and moral majesty—and of the grace that draws us into fellowship with Him.

Called into His likeness

The call to holiness is not a human invention. It is the Lord’s way of saying that those who belong to Him share His life and reflect His character. “As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former 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’” (1 Peter 1:14–16).

This call is urgent and joyful. “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness—without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). The pursuit is not a performance to earn God’s favor. It is the family resemblance of those adopted by the Father through the Son and indwelt by the Spirit.

Grace makes holiness possible and appealing

The engine of holiness is grace. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:11–12). Grace does not wink at sin; it trains the heart to love what God loves.

Grace also reassures the guilty. “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The cross cleanses, and the Spirit empowers, so that holiness becomes not a grim duty but a glad new way of life.

- Grace saves by the blood of Jesus.

- Grace teaches through the Word.

- Grace empowers by the Spirit.

- Grace adorns the gospel in our conduct.

What holiness is—and is not

Holiness means being set apart for God and shaped into Christlikeness. It is consecration and transformation together—belonging to God, becoming like God. “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). God uses His truth to accomplish this: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Holiness is not:

- Self-righteousness or superiority.

- Isolation from neighbors or indifference to their need.

- Mere rule-keeping without love.

- Cultural hostility disguised as zeal.

Holiness is:

- Love that keeps itself “unstained by the world” while serving the weak (James 1:27).

- Integrity that shines in the ordinary while pointing to Jesus.

Why holiness is beautiful in a broken world

Holiness shines with the loveliness of God in a world that aches for wholeness. It restores order to disordered loves, heals habits that harm us and others, and frees us to rejoice in the good.

Consider its beauty:

- Vision of God: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

- True freedom: “The fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life” (Romans 6:22).

- Character fragrant with the Spirit’s fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).

- A credible witness: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Holiness in ordinary places

Holiness is lived where we work, rest, and relate. It is not only about the notable moment. It is about the next moment—and the next—offered to God.

- Body and sexuality: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must learn to control his own body in holiness and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4). “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

- Mind and media: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

- Speech and relationships: “Clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… And over all these put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12, 14).

- Time and worship: “Let us… worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).

The Spirit’s power and our practice

Holiness is impossible in the flesh and certain by the Spirit. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). The same grace that saves enables us to fight sin.

This is both warfare and worship. “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13).

Practices that keep in step with the Spirit:

- Scripture: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word… I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9, 11).

- Prayer and vigilance: “By building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 20–21).

- Fellowship and accountability: exhort one another and do not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:24–25).

- Watchfulness: “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

When we stumble, we run to Christ

The holy life is not a life without repentance. It is a life of quick repentance. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Christ’s advocacy steadies us. “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). He even uses discipline to make us share His character: “God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).

Holiness together: a radiant church

The church’s holiness displays the beauty of Christ’s love. Jesus “loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25–27).

This beauty adorns our gatherings and our life together. “Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, for all the days to come” (Psalm 93:5). When we walk in unity and love, our good works point beyond us to God’s glory (Matthew 5:16).

Church commitments that cultivate shared holiness:

- Clear, courageous preaching of the Word.

- The Lord’s Supper and baptism guarded and cherished.

- Patient, restorative discipline and forgiveness.

- Hospitality, justice, and mercy lived out (James 1:27).

Set apart for the sake of the world

Holiness is missional. We are a people set apart to proclaim. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The world needs not our compromise but our Christlikeness.

Our lives can make the gospel look as good as it truly is. Scripture summons servants “to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every way” (Titus 2:10). When our speech, sexuality, work, and worship are holy, the beauty of Jesus becomes visible in neighborhoods and nations.

Hope that keeps us clean

Holiness rests on hope. “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The future is a wedding, and the Bride makes herself ready.

So we purify our lives for that day. “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates” (Revelation 22:14). And we rest confident that “the God of peace Himself” will finish His work. “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept complete and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Holiness is obedience fueled by love. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). The same grace that saves also instructs and empowers (Titus 2:11–12), so the emphasis lands on union with Christ, not self-reform.

- Keep the order clear: grace, then godliness.

- Measure growth by love for God and neighbor, not by self-made rules.

Conscience, liberty, and love

Christians differ in matters of judgment. Scripture prioritizes righteousness, peace, and joy over scruples that fracture fellowship. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Whatever you do, “do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

- Honor clear commands; extend charity in gray areas.

- Do not flaunt liberty or impose scruple; aim to edify.

Engaging culture without compromise

Separation unto God includes discernment about influences. “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). We remain in the world under Jesus’ Word: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

- Test stories, songs, and spaces by truth, goodness, and neighbor-love.

- Prefer formation over mere consumption; curate what shapes your heart.

Technology and purity of heart

Devices disciple. Holiness brings our eyes, ears, and habits under Christ’s lordship. “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; give me life in Your ways” (Psalm 119:37). Purity is not prudishness; it is the pursuit of undivided devotion.

- Use filters and rhythms that serve fidelity and focus.

- Replace distraction with Scripture, prayer, and embodied relationships.

Sexual holiness in an age of confusion

God’s will is plain and good. “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Honor the body as blood-bought. “You were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

- Flee, do not flirt with, temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18).

- Cherish marriage and keep the covenant bed pure: “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4).

Money, simplicity, and generosity

Holiness frees us from grasping to give gladly. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Those entrusted with more are called to pursue righteousness, not riches. “But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

- Budget for generosity; practice secret giving.

- Choose simplicity to make room for mission.

Discipline, fasting, and joy

Self-denial for Jesus’ sake enlarges joy. “When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face… and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:17–18). Discipline is not drudgery; it is love training the body to agree with the soul.

- Pair fasting with prayer, Scripture, and generosity.

- Let weekly and seasonal rhythms anchor lifelong faithfulness.

Leaders modeling the beauty of holiness

Leaders must embody what they teach. “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Shepherds serve, not dominate: “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).

- Build accountability into leadership teams.

- Guard private holiness to protect public witness.

Church discipline as restorative love

Discipline clears leaven so life can rise. “Get rid of the old yeast, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Though painful, discipline “yields a harvest of righteousness and peace” (Hebrews 12:11).

- Follow biblical steps with patience and tears.

- Aim always at repentance, reconciliation, and restored fellowship.

Holiness, unity, and peacemaking

Holiness and unity belong together. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). A holy church forgives quickly, bears burdens, and refuses slander or factions.

- Practice Matthew 18 private correction before public escalation.

- Keep short accounts; outdo one another in showing honor.

Raising children in holiness

Parents steward souls. “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Keep the long view. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

- Catechize with Scripture and song.

- Model repentance; let kids see grace restore joy.

Crafting a simple rule of life

A rule of life is a trellis for love, not a ladder to God. Build habits that make obedience normal and compromise awkward.

- Daily: Scripture, prayer, repentance, and a concrete act of love.

- Weekly: Lord’s Day worship, sacrificial rest, hospitality.

- Monthly or quarterly: fasting, extended prayer, confession and counsel.

- Annually: retreat for renewal and recommitment.

A final word of resolve

“Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14). Holiness is still beautiful because Jesus is still beautiful, and He means to share His beauty with His people until we see Him face to face.