Holiness Definition
The Source:
The Westminster Pulpit
G. Campbell Morgan
Vol. 3, Chpt. XXI, pg. 277*
The Text:
“that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74-75)
The Commentary:
“These two words, holiness and righteousness, mark two aspects of one condition. Holiness has to do with character; righteousness with conduct. They cannot possibly be separated from each other. They are as intimately related as are root and fruit. There can be no fruit unless there be a root. If there be living root it must issue in fruit. There can be no righteousness unless there is holiness; holiness must issue in righteousness. Holiness describes being; righteousness describes doing.”
“The particular word translated holiness in this verse occurs twice only in the New Testament; in this passage, and in the letter to the Ephesians , in which the apostle urges these to whom he writes to “put on the new man, which after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” In each case it is linked with the word righteousness. Thus in each of these passages the root principle out of which righteousness grows is recognized.”
“In holiness and righteousness.” The essential meaning of holiness is right but it is right in intrinsic character. The essential meaning of righteousness is right, but it is right in actual conduct.”
*Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group (c) 2006
Food for thought:
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Blessings!
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