THE MYSTERY OF HOLINESS

THE MYSTERY OF HOLINESS:

Preface

In the ever-evolving landscape of human knowledge and creativity, the pursuit of understanding and innovation remains a timeless endeavor. This work is born out of a desire to explore, elucidate, and contribute to the vast tapestry of ideas that shape our world. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a curious newcomer, the pages that follow are designed to inform, inspire, and provoke thought.

The journey of creating this book has been one of discovery and reflection. It is the culmination of research, experience, and a deep appreciation for the subject matter. My hope is that it serves not only as a resource but also as a catalyst for further exploration and dialogue.

I am deeply grateful to the countless individuals who have supported this project—mentors, colleagues, friends, and family—whose encouragement and insights have been invaluable. Special thanks also go to those who have paved the way in this field, whose work has illuminated the path for others to follow.

As you embark on this reading journey, I invite you to approach the content with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. May this book spark new ideas, challenge assumptions, and contribute to your own intellectual and creative pursuits.

Thank you for allowing me to share this work with you. Let us continue to learn, grow, and innovate together.

The concept of holiness in Hebrew is deeply rooted in the word קדושה (kedushah), derived from the root קדש (k-d-sh). This root conveys the idea of being set apart, sacred, or distinct from the ordinary. In the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), holiness is a central theme, particularly in relation to God, people, and objects.

Key Aspects of Holiness in Hebrew:

Divine Holiness:

In the Hebrew Bible, God is described as קדוש (kadosh), meaning "holy." This signifies that God is utterly unique, transcendent, and separate from creation. For example, in Isaiah 6:3, the angels proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." This triple repetition emphasizes the absolute holiness of God.

Human Holiness:

Humans are called to emulate God's holiness by living in a way that reflects moral purity and dedication to divine principles. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." This implies ethical behavior, justice, and spiritual devotion.

Sacred Objects and Spaces:

Objects, places, or times can also be holy when they are consecrated or set apart for divine purposes. For example, the Temple in Jerusalem was considered holy, as were the Sabbath and festivals.

Separation and Purity:

Holiness often involves separation from what is common or impure. Ritual purity laws in the Torah (e.g., dietary laws, cleanliness rituals) reflect this idea of maintaining holiness through distinct practices.

Etymology and Meaning:

The root קדש (k-d-sh) can be understood as:

קדש (kadosh): Holy, sacred, set apart.

הקדיש (hikdish): To consecrate or dedicate.

מקדש (mikdash): A sanctuary or holy place (e.g., the Temple).

Holiness in Jewish Thought:

In Jewish tradition, holiness is not just a static state but an active process. It involves striving to elevate the mundane to the sacred, infusing everyday life with spiritual meaning. This is reflected in practices like prayer, ethical living, and observance of commandments (mitzvot).

Holiness in Hebrew encompasses the idea of being set apart for a sacred purpose, reflecting the divine nature of God and calling humans to live in a way that honors that sacredness. It is both a divine attribute and a human aspiration.

The command "Be holy, because I am holy" is one of the most profound and challenging directives in Scripture. It appears in Leviticus 11:44 and is quoted by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:16. This call to holiness is not merely a moral guideline but a divine invitation to participate in the very nature of God. To fully grasp the mystery and depth of this command, we must explore its theological, historical, and practical implications, drawing from other biblical texts to illuminate its meaning.

The Context of Leviticus 11:44

Leviticus 11:44 is situated within the broader context of the Mosaic Law, specifically the dietary laws given to Israel. These laws distinguished clean from unclean animals, symbolizing the separation between holiness and impurity. God’s command to "be holy" was not merely about dietary restrictions but about reflecting His character in every aspect of life. Holiness, in this context, means being set apart for God’s purposes, distinct from the surrounding nations and their practices.

The holiness of God is the foundation of this command. In Leviticus, God’s holiness is portrayed as both majestic and terrifying. It is the essence of His nature, separating Him from all creation. When God calls His people to be holy, He is inviting them to mirror His divine nature, to live in a way that reflects His purity, justice, and love.

The Echo in 1 Peter 1:16

Peter’s quotation of Leviticus 11:44 in 1 Peter 1:16 is significant because it bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing the continuity of God’s call to holiness. Peter writes to early Christians, many of whom were Gentiles, reminding them that their new identity in Christ requires a life of holiness. He grounds this call in the character of God: "Be holy, because I am holy."

In the New Testament, holiness is not merely about external conformity to laws but about an inward transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit. Peter emphasizes that holiness is a response to God’s grace. In 1 Peter 1:13-15, he urges believers to "prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do."

The Mystery of Holiness

The mystery of holiness lies in its dual nature: it is both a gift and a responsibility. On one hand, holiness is a gift from God, bestowed upon believers through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:10 declares, "We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This positional holiness means that believers are already declared holy in Christ, set apart as God’s people.

On the other hand, holiness is a responsibility that requires ongoing effort and obedience. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this tension: "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." While God empowers us to live holy lives, we must actively pursue holiness by resisting sin and aligning our lives with God’s will.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the mystery of holiness. In the Old Testament, holiness was often associated with external rituals and laws. However, the New Testament reveals that true holiness comes from the inward work of the Spirit. Ezekiel 36:26-27 prophesies this transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."

This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives. Galatians 5:16-18 describes the Spirit-led life: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."

The Standard of God’s Holiness

God’s holiness is the ultimate standard by which all human behavior is measured. Isaiah 6:3 gives us a glimpse of the heavenly worship of God’s holiness: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." The repetition of "holy" emphasizes the absolute purity and perfection of God’s nature. In contrast, human beings are inherently sinful. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Yet, through Christ, believers are invited to share in God’s holiness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." This exchange—Christ taking our sin and giving us His righteousness—is the foundation of our holiness.

The Practical Outworking of Holiness

Holiness is not an abstract concept but a practical reality that affects every area of life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Paul provides specific instructions for holy living: "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."

Holiness also involves loving others and living in community. 1 Peter 1:22 connects holiness with love: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:37-39: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself."

The Ultimate Goal of Holiness

The ultimate goal of holiness is to glorify God and enjoy eternal fellowship with Him. Revelation 21:3 describes the culmination of God’s redemptive plan: "Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God." In the new heaven and new earth, holiness will be fully realized, and believers will see God face to face (Revelation 22:4).

Until that day, the call to holiness remains a central theme of the Christian life. It is a journey of transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the grace of God. As we strive to "be holy, because I am holy," we reflect the character of our Creator and point others to the beauty of His holiness.

Conclusion

The command to "be holy, because I am holy" is a profound mystery that encompasses God’s nature, His redemptive plan, and His call to His people. It is both a gift and a responsibility, a present reality and a future hope. Through the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to live holy lives that glorify God and bear witness to His kingdom. As we meditate on this command, may we be inspired to pursue holiness with all our hearts, knowing that it is our highest calling and our greatest joy.

John U. Ordillo