Holy is a word that’s often misunderstood in our day, no doubt in part because it’s sometimes used negatively to call someone “holier than thou”—a statement of a person’s arrogance about their moral superiority. So, setting aside that negative view, why is it important for believers in Jesus to understand holiness?

In both the Old and New Testaments, the primary words for “holy” (Hebrew, qodesh; Greek, hagios) carry the idea of being “set apart for God’s use.” As a result, holiness results in purity and usefulness—the byproducts of a life dedicated to God and His purposes. 

So, in practical terms, what might being “set apart” look like? We find the answer in Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2: “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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Notice how Paul’s description presents the distinctiveness with which believers are called to live in Christ’s name. A living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, not conformed to this world, transformed, discerning God’s purposes. 

This is an impossibility for us to achieve in our own strength, wisdom, or power (just ask the Pharisees of the first century). It’s only as we allow God to work in our hearts through His Spirit that we can live in a way that harmonizes with the holy One who’s redeemed us.

Bill Crowder, Our Daily Bread author

Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.

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