What does it mean to be holy?
Holy doesn't mean perfect or weird. Discover what being set apart for God really looks like.
15 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
A Holy People Set Apart
Deuteronomy 7 commands complete separation from Canaanite nations, explains why Israel must destroy idolatrous peoples, and assures them of God's faithful love and power to drive out enemies.
The Priestly Garments
God gives detailed instructions for the sacred garments of Aaron and his sons. These beautiful vestments would mark the priests as set apart for holy service and would carry deep symbolic meaning.
Be Holy Because I Am Holy
Leviticus 19 is often called the "heart of Leviticus," containing wide-ranging ethical commands touching every aspect of life. The repeated refrain "I am the LORD" grounds all behavior in God's charac...
Acceptable Offerings and Holy Things
Leviticus 22 continues priestly regulations, focusing on when priests may eat holy food and what makes offerings acceptable. The chapter emphasizes that both those who offer and what is offered must m...
Send Out Your Light and Truth
This continuation of Psalm 42 asks God to send light and truth as guides to His holy hill, ending with the same refrain of hope preached to the soul.
The Lord Reigns, Let the Nations Tremble
Celebrating God as holy King enthroned between the cherubim. The refrain "He is holy" punctuates praise for a God who is both exalted in justice and forgiving in mercy.
Ananias and Sapphira and Growing Opposition
Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit about their gift and face sudden judgment. The apostles perform many signs and wonders. They are arrested again but freed by an angel. Before the council, G...
Peter and Cornelius
God breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles as Peter receives a vision and is sent to Cornelius' household. The Holy Spirit falls on Gentiles, confirming that salvation is for all people.
Paul's First Missionary Journey Begins
The Holy Spirit sends Barnabas and Saul from Antioch, launching the Gentile mission. They proclaim Christ in Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch, facing both acceptance and rejection.
All Have Sinned
Paul completes his case: Jews and Gentiles alike stand condemned under sin. No one is righteous by works. But now, apart from the Law, God's righteousness comes through faith in Christ.
The Law and Sin
Paul wrestles with the Law's role and sin's power. The Law is holy, but sin exploits it to produce death. The inner struggle between wanting good and doing evil reveals our need for deliverance.
Lawsuits and Sexual Purity
Paul rebukes believers for taking disputes to secular courts. He warns against sexual immorality: your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. You were bought at a price—honor God with your body.
Living to Please God
Paul provides practical instruction on holy living, addressing sexual purity, brotherly love, and proper conduct, while offering profound comfort regarding believers who have died before Christ's retu...
A Living Hope
Peter writes to scattered believers about their living hope through Christ's resurrection, the tested genuineness of their faith, and their call to holy living as redeemed people purchased by Christ's...
The Day of the Lord
Peter addresses scoffers who mock Christ's return, explaining that God's patience allows time for repentance. The day of the Lord will come suddenly, bringing cosmic transformation. Believers should l...
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.