What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?
What Does the Bible Say About Holiness? God is holy and calls His people to be holy — set apart from sin and consecrated to His purposes.
Key verse: 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
God is holy and calls His people to be holy — set apart from sin and consecrated to His purposes.
God is holy and calls His people to be holy — set apart from sin and consecrated to His purposes.
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." — 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
1 Peter 1:15-16 commands, 'But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.' Holiness means being set apart — distinct from the world's values and dedicated to God. Leviticus repeatedly declares God's holiness as the basis for the people's conduct. Hebrews 12:14 warns, 'Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.' Yet holiness isn't achieved by human effort alone — it's the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Romans 12:1-2 calls for presenting our bodies as 'living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' Holiness encompasses moral purity, separation from sin, devotion to God, and transformation into Christ's image. It is both a position (declared holy in Christ) and a process (growing in practical holiness).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Church?
What the Bible teaches about the church, its purpose, and why believers should gather together.
Key Scripture References
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ, separating them from sin and developing holiness in their character.
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
Worship is the heart's response of adoration, praise, and surrender to God — expressed through prayer, singing, giving, obedience, and all of life.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Holiness
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The answer above sits inside 1 Peter. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Peter on day 347 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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