Christians are called to live holy lives. And if you’re searching for direction on how to live according to God’s call, these Empowering Bible Verses about Holiness are sure to lead the way.
What is Holiness in the Bible?
The word “holy” comes from the Greek word “hagios,” which means “set apart” or “consecrated.”
Holiness is the state of being set apart from sin and dedicated to God. It’s a characteristic of God that is reflected in his perfect nature and moral purity.
The Importance of Holiness
Holiness is essential for every Christian because it’s how we reflect God’s character to the world.
When you live a holy life, you show others what it means to be a follower of Christ. You demonstrate the power of God’s grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Living a holy life also brings you closer to God. When you’re pure in heart and mind, you’re able to experience God’s presence more fully. You’re able to hear His voice and discern His will for your life. And you’re able to experience the peace and joy that come from knowing Him intimately.
God is Holy Bible Verses
Holiness is used in the Bible to describe God’s divine nature. It’s a state of being perfect, pure, and set apart from sin and evil.
As a Christian, you are called to live a holy life, imitating the holiness of God.
To help you strive for holiness in all aspects of your life, and trust in God’s grace to help you along the way, here are some Bible Verses on God’s Holiness to guide you.
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
Exodus 15:11 ESV
“There is none holy like the Lord:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2 ESV
And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”
Isaiah 6:3 ESV
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 57:15 ESV
So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.
Ezekiel 38:23 ESV
Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Revelation 15:4 ESV
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1 :16 ESV
Old Testament Holiness Scriptures
In the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to be holy because He is holy. The Israelites were called to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation, set apart for God’s service. They were to worship God in the temple, offer sacrifices, and observe the Sabbath day.
For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
Leviticus 11:45 ESV
Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
Leviticus 19:2 ESV
You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.
Leviticus 20:26 ESV
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5 NKJV
“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.
Ezekiel 36:22-23 NIV
For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground.
Leviticus 11:44 ESV
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
Psalm 119:9 ESV
And a highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it.
It shall belong to those who walk on the way;
even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.
Isaiah 35:8 ESV
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New Testament Holiness Scriptures
In the New Testament, holiness becomes more personal. Jesus Christ came to cleanse us from sin and make us holy. Because of our relationship with Him, we are called to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
Now, Christians are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession.
We’re separated from the world and consecrated for God’s service. We’re to be holy in our conduct, just as God is holy. Our purpose is to glorify God and worship Him. And we are a holy temple, built on the foundation of Biblical truth, with Christ as the cornerstone.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV
but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV
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Romans 15:13 God of Hope Art Print
Ephesians 2:8 By Grace Art Print
Nehemiah 8:10 Joy of the Lord Art Print
Living a Holy Life
Living a holy life means living a life for God and following His commandments. So, let’s look at how we can live a holy life.
Explore God’s Glory in this Bible Study!
The Call to Holiness
It’s because of God’s love and grace that believers are called to be holy and set apart for His glory.
Throughout God’s Word, we find inspiring verses that remind us to praise God for the blessing of holiness.
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
Ephesians 1:3-5 ESV
For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Obstacles to Holiness
Living a holy life isn’t always easy. There will be obstacles along the way.
One of the biggest obstacles every Christian faces is sin. Sin separates us from God and keeps us from living the life of holiness we’re meant to.
Another obstacle we come across every day is the world. No matter how hard we try, we just can’t avoid it. But we must remember that society promotes values that are contrary to our faith.
These Bible verses remind us to avoid sin and embrace the values we hold dear.
Seek good, and not evil,
that you may live;
and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you,
as you have said.
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Ephesians 5:3 NIV
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
1 Timothy 6:8-10 ESV
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 ESV
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:21 ESV
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:6-10 ESV
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
But that is not the way you learned Christ! assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16 ESV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 ESV
Two Practical Ways to Pursue Holiness
There are two practical ways to pursue holiness.
The first is to read and study the Holy Bible regularly. It’s the source of truth and provides guidance on how to live a holy life.
The second is to pray regularly. Prayer connects us with God as we seek His guidance in our daily lives.
Both ways to pursue holiness sound simple, and they are. But they’re the building blocks of our faith, and you can never go wrong by going back to the basics.
Remember, holiness isn’t just about following a set of rules or regulations, but it is about having a genuine relationship with God and living a life that reflects His character.
So, if you want to imitate God’s holiness in your life, they’ll help you do it.
God Makes Us Holy Bible Verses
Holiness isn’t something we can achieve on our own. It’s only through belief in Jesus Christ, the grace of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit that we are holy.
Keep in mind that holiness is not about what we do, instead, it’s who we are in Christ. So, if you feel like you can’t live up to God’s standards, you’re not alone.
These verses will help you reflect on God’s love and grace and help you live in holiness.
And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.
Ezekiel 36:23 ESV
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
Romans 6:22 ESV
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV
he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:22-23 ESV
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
2 Timothy 1:9 ESV
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
Hebrews 12:10 ESV
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24 ESV
by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Peter 1:4 ESV
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 ESV
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Worship the Lord in Holiness Scriptures
Worshipping our Holy God and being in awe of Him is an important part of our Christian faith. These Bible verses on holiness help us acknowledge God and give Him the praise He is due.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
1 Chronicles 16:29 ESV
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
Psalm 29:2 ESV
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Psalm 96:9 ESV
Exalt the Lord our God;
worship at his footstool!
Holy is he!
Psalm 99:5 ESV
This Devotional will show you how the Blood of Jesus makes you holy.
Prayers for Holiness
Pray these scriptures to God and ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit and give you the strength to live a holy life.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24 ESV
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:17 ESV
and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 ESV
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV
Holiness isn’t an option, it’s something God expects of us as followers of His Son. It’s more than just a moral standard, it’s a divine attribute that is essential to every Christian’s life. And it’s something that we should strive for every day.
I pray these Empowering Bible Verses about Holiness have inspired you to live holy and above reproach as you follow Jesus.
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