Bible Verses About Holiness

"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."

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."

"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

"Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God."

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart."

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace."

What does the Bible say about holiness?

Holiness is not legalism—it is the natural response of a heart transformed by God's love. To be holy means to be 'set apart' for God's purposes, reflecting His character in a fallen world. Key King James Version passages include 1 Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 12:1. This page collects 10 KJV verses about holiness, each quoted in full.

What does holiness mean in the Bible?

The Hebrew word 'qadosh' and Greek 'hagios' both mean 'set apart.' Holiness has two dimensions: God's absolute moral purity (Isaiah 6:3) and the believer's call to be separated from sin and dedicated to God (1 Peter 1:15-16). It encompasses both our standing (positional holiness in Christ) and our daily walk (practical holiness through the Spirit).

Can Christians achieve perfect holiness?

While believers are positionally holy in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30), complete practical holiness is an ongoing process called sanctification (Philippians 1:6). We will not achieve sinless perfection in this life (1 John 1:8), but we are called to continually grow in holiness through the Spirit's work (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Is holiness possible for ordinary people?

Yes — holiness is not reserved for monks or missionaries. First Peter 1:15-16 says 'Be ye holy; for I am holy.' Holiness means being 'set apart' for God's purposes. It's lived out in ordinary life: honest work, faithful marriage, kind words, and daily obedience. The Holy Spirit empowers what God commands.

Can ordinary people live holy lives?

Holiness is not reserved for spiritual elites. 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls every believer to be holy, and the Holy Spirit empowers this transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18). Practical holiness involves daily choices—renewing the mind and pursuing love—not achieving sinless perfection.