God's Book

A believer is holy—not because of personal perfection, but because of what God has done. Colossians 1:22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Philippians 3:12-14: Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 1 Samuel 2:1-2: My heart rejoices in the Lord; My strength is exalted in the Lord, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. Believers are made holy by God 1 Corinthians 1:2 — “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy…” Hebrews 10:10 — “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” - Holiness is something God gives, not something we earn. Holiness comes from being “set apart” The biblical word for holy (hagios) means set apart for God. 1 Peter 2:9 — “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” A believer belongs to God and is set apart for His purposes. Holy in position, growing in practice The Bible holds two truths together: Positionally holy (who you are in Christ) Colossians 1:22 — “He has reconciled you… holy in His sight.” Practically becoming holy (how you live) 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” You are already holy in Christ, and you are also being shaped to live that holiness out. Not defined by past sin Romans 8:1 — “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13–14 — Forget what is behind; press forward.