God is holy. Christians in the New Testament are called saints (Greek: the holy ones). They are called to be holy and to imitate Jesus. Jesus is called the Holy One of God.
God gave His “saints” a holy and heavenly calling. They are to worship Him with reverence and awe. He disciplines His spiritual children for their good. He judges the Church and trains every member for godliness.
Holiness and godliness exist side by side.
A. Holiness (hagiasmos in Greek) signifies separation to God.
It is God’s will for you to be holy. God says: “Be holy as I am holy”.
Everyone who is saved is called to holiness. Believers, followers and disciples of Jesus cannot be loving God and loving the things of the world.
We were previously slaves to sin and the prince of the world. After redemption with the precious life and blood of Jesus, we ought to live for our new master.
B. Godliness (eusebia) is doing that which is well-pleasing to God.
The “holy ones” pursue godliness. God has graciously given His divine power for all things that pertain to life and godliness.
Sinners are being saved by grace to be holy.
Saints are being sanctified by grace to be godly.
Jesus is the hallmark of holiness and godliness.
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness. He (the Holy One) was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the (Holy) Spirit, seen by (holy) angels, proclaimed among the unholy nations (Gentile sinners), believed in the (ungodly) world and taken up in glory.” (1 Tim 3:16)
Our hope in Christ is the hope of glory (Col 1:27).
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
