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By the end of this lesson, the student should:
(1) Appreciate the beauty of God’s holiness and his plan to make us holy.
(2) Reject false concepts of holiness and recognize biblical concepts of holiness.
(3) Be equipped to explain to a new believer what it means to be holy.
(4) Memorize 1 Peter 1:14-16.
Holiness is one of the central themes of the Bible. In scripture, God showed us who he is: he is a holy God (Leviticus 19:2). Then, God showed us who we can become by his grace: we can be a holy people (1 Peter 1:15-16).
In every true believer, there is a hunger for holiness. As God’s children, we yearn to be like him. Sadly, much of the modern church has accepted the false idea that holiness is impossible. Many Christians live in bondage to willful sin. They do not believe that a victorious life, free from the controlling power of sin, is possible in this life.
More than 100 years ago, John Hyde, the great missionary to India, said, “What we need today is a revival of holiness.” If that was true then, it is certainly true in the sinful world of the 21st century.
If holiness is so important to God, we must ask, “What does it mean to be holy?” If holiness is commanded in scripture, we must ask, “Is it possible to live a holy life?”
In this course, we will learn what God means when he says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” As we understand the message of holiness in the Bible, we will see that a holy life is possible for every Christian. Each lesson will include three elements:
Scripture to Read and Discuss
Before continuing this lesson, read each of the following scriptures carefully and discuss the questions. This will introduce some of the topics we will study in these lessons.[1]
► Read Leviticus 19:2. According to this passage, why was Israel to be holy?
► Read 1 Peter 1:15-16. What kind of conduct are believers to have?
► Read Hebrews 12:14. According to this passage, what two qualities must Christians pursue if they want to see the Lord?
► Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. God calls every believer to abstain from what sins? God has called his people to what?
► Read Revelation 20:6. What is the spiritual characteristic of those who will take part in the first resurrection?
[1] These questions were collected by Rev. Timothy Keep.
► When you hear a person described as “holy,” what image comes to mind? Is your image positive or negative? Why?
A missionary once visited an old African chief. The chief asked, “What is a Christian?” The missionary answered, “A Christian doesn't steal his enemy's cattle. A Christian doesn't run off with his enemy's wife. A Christian doesn’t murder his enemy.”
The chief said, “I understand. Being a Christian is the same as being old! When I was young, I attacked my enemy and stole his wife and cattle. Now I am too old to attack my enemy; I am a Christian!”
Sadly, this is how many people think of the message of a holy life. They think holiness is no more than a list of sins to avoid. They miss the beauty of holiness as it is taught in God’s Word.
False Ideas of Holiness
God is a holy God. God’s people must be holy. This message is central to the Bible. However, there are many wrong beliefs about holiness.
However, God’s command to be holy is a command that he intends us to obey. God is a good Father; he never commands us to do something that is impossible through his grace. To be holy is to be what God created us to be. In our own power, a holy heart is impossible, but in God’s power, a holy heart is possible for every believer. Holiness comes from God’s grace, not from our efforts.
► Which of these false ideas of holiness is most common in the area where you minister? Is holiness seen as beautiful among Christians in your community?
The Bible’s Picture of Holiness
Unlike the negative ideas of holiness listed above, the Bible shows holiness as a beautiful possibility for God’s children. Think of the things called holy in the Bible. None of them are ugly and repulsive; they are beautiful and attractive.
Each of these pictures is attractive. The Bible shows that true holiness is not abusive and fearful. Instead, it is the loving gift of our heavenly Father. If we see holiness for what it is, we should hunger for a holy heart and a holy life. If we preach holiness as the Bible teaches it, our people should hunger for a holy heart and a holy life. Holiness is a beautiful gift from a loving Father.
[1] You might say, “But what about the Pharisees? They were considered ‘holy’ people, but they drove others away.” We will see in these lessons that the Pharisee’s “holiness” was not genuine holiness. Their righteousness was an outward profession, not true holiness.
God Created a Perfect World
Begin in Eden, a beautiful garden. Think of the sweetest fruit you have ever eaten; the fruit in Eden was sweeter. Think of the most beautiful flower you have ever seen; the flowers in Eden were more beautiful. God created a perfect world, a world without the effects of sin. He created a world without pain, tears, or death.
Most importantly, God created a world of intimate friendship between God and man. Nothing separated man from his Creator. Each day, God visited Adam and Eve. No other creature had this privilege. God created man for a special relationship with himself. In the Garden of Eden, there was perfect peace between God and man.
Satan Corrupted God’s Perfect World
Satan wanted to destroy this perfect world. Satan hated everything that God had created. Above all, Satan hated the close friendship between God and man. He was determined to destroy this relationship of love and trust.
Satan could not destroy man directly, so he determined to destroy the relationship between God and man. Satan knew that God is holy and that God created man in his image. Satan wanted to destroy God’s holy image in man. Holy God and holy man would have an unbroken relationship, but Satan could destroy this relationship by tempting man into sin.
Satan came to Eve in the form of a snake. The snake questioned God’s command. He asked, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” He wanted to cause Eve to doubt God’s goodness. Eve answered, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die’” (Genesis 3:1-6).
The snake accused God of keeping good from Adam and Eve. The snake said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The snake tempted Eve to pride: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:4-5).
Eve ate the fruit, gave it to Adam, and he ate. Adam and Eve knew they had broken God’s law. When God came to the garden, they were ashamed and hid from him. The close friendship between God and man was broken.
God Did Not Give Up on His Creation
Because of their sin, God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. Sin broke the relationship between God and man. Sin damaged the image of God in man. But because of his love, God did not leave man in this horrible condition. God could have said, “Adam, you caused this disaster. It is your problem! I’m walking away.” Instead, a loving God became part of our world and provided a remedy for our sin.
This remedy included a path to forgiveness. God provided a way to restore the relationship between a holy God and fallen man. The church has always preached, “Sinners can be made right with God.” Through the cross, we can be forgiven of our sins.
This is wonderful news! But sometimes the church has forgotten the other part of God’s remedy. God’s remedy for sin included not only a path to forgiveness but a path to restoration. God provided a way to restore his image in man.
God was not satisfied to say, “You can be free from the penalty of sin, but you will never be free from the power of sin.” No! God provided a way by which man could be made holy. God walked in the garden with a holy people; he cannot walk with a sinful people. God wants relationship with his people, so he provided a way to make us holy.
Throughout scripture, we see God working to make a holy people with whom he can have relationship. God does not say, “I know you are sinful, but I will close my eyes to your sin and pretend you are righteous.” Instead, God promises to make his people holy.
"The LORD will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in his ways" (Deuteronomy 28:9).
God wants to make his people holy. This is God’s purpose for his people. God promises that his people will “be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD” (Isaiah 62:12).
Because of the fall, man was no longer holy. We soon forgot the holy nature of God. God had created us in his image. Now, we created gods in our image – jealous, hateful, and proud.
The Babylonians told the story of Marduk who became the chief god by killing his mother. The Greeks told the story of Zeus who had many mistresses. The Romans told the story of Bacchus, the god of drunkenness and sensuality.
These gods were not holy. The people who worshipped these gods were like their gods. People lied, stole, and cheated just as their gods lied, stole, and cheated. Sinful man created sinful gods. In turn, these gods allowed man to continue in our sin. We became like the gods we worshipped.
Jehovah is not like these false gods. God is holy. Repeatedly, scripture testifies to God’s holiness. After crossing the Red Sea, the people of Israel praised their holy God. They sang, “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11).
The psalmist sang, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). Israel praised God for his holiness. The psalmist called God the “Holy One of Israel” (Psalm 71:22; Psalm 78:41; Psalm 89:18).
The prophets testified that God is holy. Like the psalmist, they called God the “Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Jeremiah 50:29; Jeremiah 51:5; Ezekiel 39:7). Isaiah honored “the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy” (Isaiah 57:15). Holiness is so much a part of God’s character that for God to swear by his holiness was the same as to swear by himself (Amos 4:2; Amos 6:8). Habakkuk testified that God is of purer eyes than to see evil (Habakkuk 1:13). The prophets knew that God is holy.
In heaven, the worship of God celebrates his holiness. The seraphim sang, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3). John the Revelator saw four creatures praising God. They sang, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8). God is a holy God.
A holy God created humanity for relationship with himself, but our sin separated us from God. However, God was determined to restore relationship with his people. Since only holy people can live in the presence of a holy God, he provided a way to make us holy. God taught the meaning of holiness to people who were not holy. There are two parts to this process:
Isaiah preached to a sinful nation. Sin had destroyed the beauty of God’s people. From God’s chosen people, Israel had fallen to the shameful status of a conquered people carried away into captivity. She was no longer beautiful; she was a disgraced slave. But Isaiah foresaw a day when Israel’s righteousness goes forth as brightness. On that day, Israel will be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord (Isaiah 62:1-3).
People who misunderstand the message of holiness in the Bible often portray holiness in terms of legalism, rigid rules, and stern faces. This is not a biblical view of holiness. Instead, to be holy is to show the beauty of God’s own holiness. To be holy gives the joyful freedom to live in intimate relationship with a holy God. In the Bible, holiness is never a gloomy term; it is a term of joy and beauty!
In the Bible, God reveals his holy nature. Then, God teaches his people how to live holy lives. Even more importantly, God shows that he will give his people power to be what he has called us to be. Through his grace, God can make a holy people. God does not ignore sin in his children; instead, he makes us holy. A holy God desires relationship with a holy people.
Through his Word, God taught his people what it means to be holy. When God began to teach his people, they knew nothing about holiness. They had never seen a holy God or a holy people. God taught the meaning of holiness much like we teach language to a child.
When we teach a young child, we point to a chair and say, “Chair.” We point to a car and say, “Car.” Step by step, the child is learning the meaning of words. The child learns the meaning of the word “love” by experiencing their mother’s love. The child learns the meaning of the word “justice” when a parent gives a just punishment for disobedience.
God taught the meaning of holiness in the same way. As fallen people, we did not know what it means to be holy. God gradually revealed the meaning of holiness to his people through word pictures that illustrate what it means to be holy. As we trace the meaning of the word holiness through the Bible, we will see:
[1]“We must be holy, because this is one grand purpose for which Christ came into the world. To talk of men being saved from the guilt of sin without being saved from its dominion in their hearts is to contradict the witness of all Scripture. Jesus is a complete Savior. He does not merely take away the guilt of sin; he breaks its power.”
- Paraphrased from Bishop J.C. Ryle
Dr. John Stott was one of the great Christian leaders of the twentieth century. In one of his last sermons, Dr. Stott spoke about God’s purpose for his people.[1] We have been saved by grace through faith; we have been brought from death to life. Why? God’s purpose for saving us is to make us like Christ. Dr. Stott said, “Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God.”
Three New Testament texts show how our growth in Christlikeness on earth prepares us to live with God. These texts show the importance of holiness in the life of the believer.
Romans 8:29 looks to the past and shows God’s eternal purpose for his children:
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
God’s eternal purpose is that we be conformed to the image of his Son.[2] From the beginning, God’s purpose was to make us like Christ. Romans 8:28 promises that for those who love God all things work together for good. This promise is for those who are called according to his purpose. What is his purpose? God’s predestined purpose is to make his children in the image of his Son. God saved us to make us holy.
Paul reminded the Colossian Christians of the wonderful change God had made in their lives: “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death.” Through the death of Christ, these people who had been hostile to God were now reconciled with him. Paul then reminded these believers of God’s purpose in reconciling them to himself: He reconciled them in order to present them holy and blameless and above reproach before him (Colossians 1:21-22).
Paul does not say simply, “You have been reconciled to God so that you can spend eternity in heaven.” That is wonderful news! But it is not the complete Good News. Paul says, “You have been reconciled to God so that you can be holy.” God’s purpose is to make his children holy and blameless.
2 Corinthians 3:18 looks at the present and shows how this purpose is being accomplished in the life of the believer today:
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are being changed from one degree of glory to another. God’s purpose is accomplished in the transformation of his children through the power of the Holy Spirit. Day by day, we are made more like Christ.
1 John 3:2 looks to the future and shows the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose:
"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."
The Book of Revelation looks to a day when we will see God face to face. On that day, we will be like him. God’s purpose will be fulfilled completely and eternally. John Stott concluded, “We will be with Christ, like Christ, forever.”
As Christians, our pursuit of a holy life is preparing us for the day when we see God and his purpose in our life is fulfilled. This should make us earnest about growing in holiness. Each day we are being transformed more and more into his image.[3]
Holiness is not a human idea; holiness is God’s character. Our understanding of holiness is based on God’s character revealed in the Bible. As we seek to be more and more like him, we are cooperating with God’s eternal purpose. Holiness is God’s eternal purpose for every believer. As God’s children, we should have a passion to see this purpose accomplished in our hearts and lives.
[1] John Stott Address at Keswick. (June 20, 2014). Retrieved from https://www.leightonfordministries. org/2014/06/20/john-stott-address-at-keswick/ December 20, 2019.
[2]“God has one destined end for mankind – holiness. His one aim is the production of saints. He came to save men because He had created them to be holy.” - Oswald Chambers
[3]A Prayer for Holiness:
“Finish, then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee:
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
Sing and cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love and praise.”
- Charles Wesley
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In 1873, Samuel Morris[1] was born in Liberia, West Africa as Prince Kaboo, the son of a tribal chief. When his father was defeated in battle, Kaboo was held for ransom. One day, Kaboo saw a bright light and heard a voice from heaven telling him to run. The ropes that held him fell to the ground, and Kaboo ran into the jungle.
He walked through the jungle for days until he arrived in the city of Monrovia. In the city, a young boy invited Kaboo to church. When Kaboo visited the church, a missionary was telling the story of Paul’s conversion. As she told about the bright light and voice from heaven, Kaboo recognized that this was the voice he had heard in the jungle! He soon accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized with the name Samuel Morris.
During the next two years, Samuel Morris painted houses to support himself while he studied the Bible. He was particularly interested in learning about the Holy Spirit and life in the power of the Spirit. After a missionary told him she had taught him all she knew, Morris asked, “Who was your teacher?” She told him about a preacher in America named Stephen Merritt. With no money and no transportation, Morris walked to the nearest seaport to find a ship to America. He was determined to learn more about living in the Spirit.
He slept on the beach waiting for a ship. When a ship landed, Morris asked the captain to take him to America. The captain refused, but a short time later, two of his crew members ran away. The captain then told Morris that he could work in exchange for transportation to New York. During the voyage, he was mistreated by the crew and given the most dangerous tasks on board. However, Samuel showed the love of Christ to his shipmates until, by the time the ship arrived in New York, the captain and most of the crew had been converted.
When Morris arrived in New York, he found Stephen Merritt’s mission and told him of his desire to learn more about the Holy Spirit. Mr. Merritt had to go to a meeting but left Morris at the mission for the evening. When he came back, he found Samuel leading a prayer meeting. On his first night in America, Samuel Morris led nearly 20 people to Christ.
Stephen Merritt helped Samuel Morris enroll at Taylor University so he could prepare to evangelize in Liberia. Morris arrived at the campus in Indiana with no money, but with complete faith in God’s provision. He said to the president, “Please give me a room that no one else wants.” Late at night, his fellow students would hear him talking to his Father. His absolute trust in God influenced the campus as well as surrounding churches.
Although Morris planned to return to Liberia, God had a different plan. Within two years of arriving at Taylor University, Samuel Morris died from pneumonia. He was only 20 years old, but he was at peace with God’s plan. Samuel told the president of the university, “It is not my work. It is his. I have finished my job. He will send others better than I to do the work in Africa.”
Morris’s life impacted so many people that hundreds of people lined the streets for the funeral procession. Several fellow students went to Africa as missionaries, serving “in memory of Prince Kaboo.” The president of Taylor University said, “Samuel Morris was God’s messenger to Taylor University. He thought he was coming here to prepare himself for his mission. Instead, God sent him to prepare Taylor University for her mission to the whole world. All who met him were impressed with his sublime, yet simple faith in God.”
Today, a memorial plaque at Samuel Morris’ grave in Fort Wayne, Indiana reads:
Samuel Morris
1873-1893
Prince Kaboo
Native of West Africa
Famous Christian Mystic
Apostle of Simple Faith
Exponent of the Spirit-filled life
The short life of Samuel Morris shows that every believer can live in the power of the Holy Spirit. A holy heart and a holy life is God’s purpose for every believer.
[1] Image: "Samuel Morris", Samuel Morris: A Spirit Filled Life (1921), retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JORDAN-READ-MERITT(1921)_Samuel_Morris._A_Spirit_Filled_Life.jpg, public domain.
(1) The beauty of holiness is seen in God’s original creation. God created a perfect world without sin.
(2) The beauty of holiness is seen in the nature of God. God is a holy God.
(3) The beauty of holiness is seen in God’s plan for his people. Even though sin corrupted man’s nature, God did not give up on his plan for a holy people. To restore relationship between a holy God and fallen humanity, God taught:
(4) There are many false ideas about holiness. These include:
(5) The truth about holiness is simple. This is what it means to be holy:
(6) Three New Testament texts show the importance of holiness in the life of the believer.
(1) Imagine that a new Christian said to you, “I read in the Bible that God calls us to be holy as he is holy. That seems impossible! What does it mean to be holy?” Write a one-page answer to this new believer. At your next class meeting, each student should read their answer. Give time to discuss the answers as a class.
(2) Begin the next class session by quoting 1 Peter 1:14-16.
(3) This course includes a final project that is due on the last day of class. You should begin work on this project now. Look at the back of the course for details about this project.
You will preach three sermons or teach three Bible studies on the doctrine and practice of holiness. You should record these sermons to submit to the class leader for your final project. You will prepare one sermon or Bible study on each of the following topics:
(1) A sermon or Bible study on one theological aspect of holiness. Choose one:
(2) A sermon or Bible study on a practical aspect of holiness. You may choose a topic discussed in this course, or you may select your own topic. Possible topics include:
(3) A sermon or Bible study on a biblical character who demonstrates holiness.
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Download audio files for offline listening
Introduction
The Beauty of Holiness
Lesson 1
Holiness Is Relationship
Lesson 2
Holiness Is the Image of God in Man
Lesson 3
Holiness Is Separation
Lesson 4
Holiness Is an Undivided Heart
Lesson 5
Holiness Is Righteousness
Lesson 6
Holiness Is Loving God
Lesson 7
Holiness Is Loving Your Neighbor
Lesson 8
A Holy Life Is Lived in the Fullness of The Spirit
Lesson 9
Holiness Is Christlikeness
Lesson 10
Holiness Is Unbroken Fellowship with God
Lesson 11
Is a Holy Life Possible?
Lesson 12
Resources
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