What does it mean to be holy?
God has plans for us. The core of these plans is to make us whole and holy, by His love. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1-4)
But what is holiness? Holiness is not something austere, spiritually elite, and rather severe, like giving up worldly pleasures, innocent things such as sugar, music, or fishing, living an entirely spiritual life, praying a lot, being a very good person.
Biblical Definition and View of Holiness
But what is the Biblical definition and view of holiness?
Holiness is, most of all, an internal condition of the heart. Once we are spiritually birthed in Christ by the Holy Spirit, we receive the righteousness of Christ. It is then up to us, enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit, to learn to live holy and godly lives.
Holiness means that our external matches our internal; this is a condition of outward and inward purity. To be holy means doing the will of the Father and teaching others to do so. (Matthew 5:19-20, Matthew 7:21) It means to have healthy eyes and to live like light and salt, a natural and unpretentious life.
To be holy means living a natural and unpretentious life, doing the will of the Father, and teaching others to do so. #holy #Biblestudy #Christianliving Share on XRemember to pin me for later
7 Characteristics of a Holy Life
We find 7 key characteristics of a holy life in Matthew chapters 5 and 6.
#1 Relational Integrity
The first characteristic addresses directly the condition of the heart in a relational setting. Interestingly, Jesus addresses first the condition of our hearts towards our brothers and sisters. (Matthew 5:21-26) He wants us to have hearts free of anger, bitterness, and resentment. Instead, we are instructed to have forgiving hearts that don’t harbor hatred and offense, but instead nurture forgiveness and strive for reconciliation.
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)
#2 Purity in the Personal Life and Marriage
The next characteristic deals with our reaction to temptation and personal purity. It deals with our inner thought life, desires, and motivations. (Matthew 5:27-30) We are to think pure thoughts and guard our eyes.
Jesus’ call to holiness is so strong that he says that it is better to lose one part of our body than for our whole body to be thrown into hell! (Matthew 5:29). Holiness matters to God. Maintaining purity in our thoughts and motivations is an essential part of the Christian life.
This inner purity and integrity should be transferred to marriage too. Jesus takes a harsh stance on the topic of divorce saying it is equal to committing adultery. God values faithfulness and keeping the marriage covenant. (Matthew 5:31-32)
Maintaining purity in our thoughts and motivations is an essential part of the Christian life. #purity #Biblestudy #Compeltraining Share on X#3 Integrity and Character
The next characteristic of a holy life points to integrity and character. (Matthew 5:33-37) The Lord expects us to be people who keep their words and do what we say. Our actions should match our words. We don’t need to swear an oath but to say simply “yes” and “no”, and act accordingly.
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)
#4 Love and Generosity
The fourth characteristic of holiness is again a relational one, based on a lifestyle of love, forgiveness, and generosity. (Matthew 5:38-42) Jesus again instructs us not to harbor resentment and desires for revenge but rather to be meek and patient, enduring suffering. Not only this but we are to be generous with our love, giving to others, and loving them abundantly as we are loved by the Father.
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42)
#5 Love Towards the Enemies
The call to love spreads also to our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48) To live a holy life is not enough just to love our neighbors, we are called to something more challenging – to love our enemies. Such a pure condition of the heart free from offense, hatred, and resentment is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, who cleanses us and enables us to love others with the love of God.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
#6 Vibrant Prayer Life and Relationship with God
One of the most important characteristics of a holy, unfeigned life is a vibrant prayer life and relationship with God. This is a life that takes place behind closed doors, in the unseen. (Matthew 6:5-18) It doesn’t make a show or an attempt to prove something. God calls us to be transparent and authentic with Him in our homes, in our cars, and in our workplaces, when nobody is watching us.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
God calls us to be transparent and authentic with Him in our homes, in our cars, in our workplaces, when nobody is watching us. #holiness #encouragement #intergrity Share on X#7 Heart focused on Seeking God’s Kingdom and Righteousness
The last characteristic of a holy life is a heart focused on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first. God and His Kingdom are to become our priorities, integrated into our everyday lives. When we put God first and seek to know and do His will, we naturally exhibit His character and start living holy, godly lives.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Deeds in the Name of the Lord Jesus
We find very practical instruction on how to live holy and godly lives in Colossians. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:14)When we ask ourselves the question, “Can I do this in the name of Jesus or can I say this in the name of Jesus?” before we act or talk, we have a perfect filter to guide our decisions and to enable us to live in holiness.
Another guiding principle is doing everything through the prism of love. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14)
What Does It Mean to Be Holy Printable
I have prepared a printable of these 7 characteristics of a holy life and the accompanying Bible verses to help you meditate on them. Click on the image to download it.
More Resources on How to Live a Holy Life
If you need more resources on holiness and how to live a holy life, I highly recommend these books. Check them out.
Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots by J.C. Ryle
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Growing in Holiness: Understanding God’s Role and Yours by R.C. Sproul
Rediscovering Holiness: Know the Fullness of Life with God by J.I. Packer
Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God: A Penetrating Study of the Human Heart and How God Prepares It for His Glory by Francis Frangipane
HOLINESS – God’s Plan for Fullness of Life by Henry Blackaby
The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness by Kevin Deyoung
Holiness: The Heart God Purifies by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!
Your Turn
Which of these characteristics do you need to develop in your life? Share in the comments and on social media if you have found this article helpful. Thank you!
When we put God first and seek to know and do His will, we naturally exhibit His character and start living holy, godly lives. #holiness #Biblestudy #trustGod Share on XDo you want to watch this post as a vlog? Click HERE. If you found it helpful, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thanks!
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I think I could work more on number 4. I could always love more and be more generous. Excellent post, Hadassah.
Thanks so much, Priscilla! I am happy you found it helpful. Blessings to you!
Another beautiful and meaningful piece of writing from you! Every time I read one, I have to stop for a few minutes and ponder.
Thanks so much, Mihaela! I am glad that my posts make you stop and ponder. Blessings to you!
Love this …
“Holiness means that our external matches our internal; this is a condition of outward and inward purity. To be holy means doing the will of the Father and teaching others to do so. (Matthew 5:19-20, Matthew 7:21) It means to have healthy eyes and to live like light and salt, a natural and unpretentious life!
Beautiful post sweet sister! Thank you … ❤
Thanks so much, Donna! I am happy that the post encouraged you. Blessings to you!
I enjoyed reading your post on what it means to be holy. So encouraging and uplifting.
Thanks a lot, Gina! I am happy that it encouraged you.
Love this!
Happy that you like it!
Thank you for sharing everyday examples of holiness. Too often, I picture holiness as something too lofty to aspire to. With the help of the Holy Spirit, inner transformation is possible and can be reflected in my outward actions.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lisa! Yes, you are absolutely right: inner transformation is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit and it is reflected outwardly too.
Thanks for sharing this. I am sure this was quite enlightening to many.
Thanks, Betty! I hope you enjoyed the post too.
I struggle to love people who annoy me Thank you for your careful study of holiness.
Thanks for sharing your struggle, Anita! I am glad you found the article helpful. Blessings to you!
I once told someone in a Job Interview that my goal was to live a Holy life.
I did not get that job. Looking back, I recall the man actually smirked and laughed at my response.
I do remember walking out of there thinking that it was sort of sad that he found such a goal to be something to laugh at.
And, praying for him.
At that time, Holy Living was something that I thought I would never mention again to anyone. It was a personal choice.
As I have matured, it has become evident to me that when the world hears the word Holy; it is confused. People do not know how to respond to Holiness.
I have been going along thinking that it really is not that complicated. For me, it is living as if I have been set apart from the World for Our Father.
Not allowing myself to be conformed to the world, but seeking to submit to transformation based on the Word.
I do appreciate you taking the time to break it down into characteristics of life and posture towards the world and those who are in it with us.
Whether or not people have faith or understanding today to understand what it is to be Holy; is not as relevant as the personal choices that we make that transform our relationship with Our Father and our fellow persons on earth.
I think you did a fine job of describing this more fully.
Thanks so much for sharing your story and thoughts on how to live a holy life. I like how you define holiness: to live as set apart from the world and allow God’s Word to transform us. I am glad that you found this article helpful. Blessings to you!
Hadassah, these are such great characteristics of holiness, and thanks so much for the beautiful printable!
Thanks so much, Christin! Blessings to you!
I love how you break holiness down into different characteristics with Scriptures for us. What an awesome reminder of who God wants us to be!
Thanks so much, Patti! Yes, it is easier to understand holiness when we study the different aspects shown in God’s Word. Blessings to you!