One of the great themes of the New Testament is that the Christian life is not simply about what we believe but also about how we behave or act or live. Faith in Christ always produces fruit, and the fruit the Lord expects from His people grows from the root of holiness. The New Testament makes clear that personal holiness is essential for the Christian disciple to live in right fellowship with the Lord.
Holiness Rooted in God’s Character
The command to be holy is grounded in God’s very nature. Peter writes:
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15–16).
Holiness is definitely about obedience to the teachings of Scripture, but also about reflecting the character of the God who saved us. Paul echoes this when he exhorts believers:
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Theologian John Murray summarized this truth well:
“Nothing is more basic to sanctification than that it consists in the conformity of our lives to the likeness of our Savior.” (Redemption Accomplished and Applied)
Holiness, then, is not a burdensome demand, but the natural outworking of belonging to a holy God. It reflects the heart and mind of one who finds their greatest satisfaction in God.
Holiness as Separation and Dedication
Throughout the New Testament, holiness is described in two complementary ways: separation from sin and dedication to God.
John wrote in his first letter:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of the God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
This means believers reject the old patterns of sin and worldliness (Romans 12:2). But holiness is more than rejection and avoidance of the world’s ways; it is wholehearted consecration which is acceptance and pursuit of the blessings that come from obedience, sacrifice, and surrender. Paul urges us to present our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).
J. C. Ryle, in his classic Holiness, warned:
“A holy man will follow after holiness. He will avoid not only the sins he once committed, but everything which may draw him nearer to them or may tempt him to commit them again.”
Holiness makes a Christian’s life distinct—separated from sin, yet devoted to God’s glory.
Holiness Empowered by Grace and the Spirit
While the pursuit of holiness requires effort, it is never accomplished in our own strength. God Himself provides both the desire and the power to live a holy life.
- Grace instructs us: “For the grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11–12).
- The Spirit empowers us: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) is the daily evidence of holiness.
- Discipline strengthens us: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
John MacArthur captures this balance well:
“Holiness is not a condition we achieve by our own power, but neither is it a condition that comes about without our obedience. God’s work and our work go hand in hand.” (The Gospel According to Jesus)
True holiness is always Spirit-driven, grace-enabled, and obedience-practiced.
Five Habits that Cultivate Holiness in Daily Life
The New Testament’s teaching on holiness is serious and the bar set high. It is also possible and practical. Here are five ways a disciple of Christ can pursue holiness each day:
- Daily Scripture Intake
- God’s Word sanctifies (John 17:17). Reading and meditating on Scripture keeps the heart and mind anchored in truth.
- Consistent Prayer
- Prayer humbles us, draws us close to God, and strengthens us against temptation (Matt. 26:41).
- Accountability and Fellowship
- Holiness is pursued in community. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges believers to stir one another up to love and good works.
- Active Avoidance and Resistance to Sin
- Romans 8:13 reminds us that by the Spirit we must “put to death the deeds of the body.” This means intentionally cutting off habits, influences, or environments that fuel sin.
- Fixing Our Eyes on Christ
- Ultimately, holiness is Christlikeness. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” The more we look at Him as our Model for daily living, the more we become like Him.
Conclusion
Personal holiness is at the heart of discipleship. It is:
- A call rooted in God’s holy character.
- A commitment to separation from sin and dedication to God.
- A character empowered by grace, the Spirit, and faithful obedience.
Holiness is not a state of Christian faith reserved for spiritual giants or a few spiritual elites. It is the daily calling of every Christian. As we look to Christ and walk in the Spirit, God shapes us more and more into His likeness. In the words of Hebrews 12:14, may we “strive… for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”