Christianese: Holiness

There are many terms which we as Christians use many times, but perhaps have forgotten the meaning and significance of. I call such terms “Christianese”. Even the word “holiness” probably finds its way on the “Christianese” list at times. Refurbish your mind with this theological primer on “holiness“.

God is majestically holy in that He is totally set apart from everything and everyone else. God is categorically all on His own. (Lev 11:44, 47; 1 Sam 2:2)

God is morally holy is that He is totally set apart from everything evil, wicked and unholy.  God is not the author of evil. God cannot sin. God never approves of anything sinful. (Hab 1:13; 1 John 1:5)

“This is the attribute [Christianese for “character trait”] of attributes that runs through the other attributes and casts luster on them.” John Howe

What should be our responses to God’s holiness?

• Praise, not hatred. (Is 6:1-7; Rev  4:8 & 15:3-4)
• Desire to be conformed to His holiness, not desire to redefine it (Lev 11:44; 1 Pet 1:16)
• Humble and eager service (Is 6:8)