The True Meaning of Holiness – Set Apart for God

The Meaning of Holiness

Over the past decade or so, we have sadly become accustomed to hearing expressions such as “holy crap.” A word that once carried divine reverence is now commonly coupled with what is filthy — human excrement, the most defiling thing imaginable. Truly, it seems that the enemy despises the word holy and has sought to strip it of its sacred meaning.

But what does holiness really mean?

When we try to describe something or someone that stands out as truly special, we often reach for words that climb in intensity —
Nice, Pleasant, Lovely, Charming, Delightful, Wonderful, Excellent, Splendid, Superb, Marvellous, Outstanding, Magnificent, Glorious, Exceptional, Sublime, Exquisite, Perfect.

At the very peak of all that is admirable and beautiful lies the word Holy. Holy means perfect — absolute moral purity, flawless goodness, and unblemished beauty.

God alone is Holy.
He is perfect in Love, Righteousness, Kindness, Goodness, Power, Beauty, and Purity.
Only God the Almighty Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are Holy. Nothing and no one else can share in that perfection.

The word holy also carries another profound meaning: it means set apart, separate, and completely distinct.

Consider motor vehicles. Their quality ranges from the lowest — perhaps a TATA — to Volkswagen, Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes, and ultimately to Rolls Royce. But imagine there exists a vehicle far above even a Rolls Royce: a creation so perfect and priceless that it cannot be compared with any other. You could not place this vehicle in the same category as the rest — it is entirely separate, set apart, because it is perfect.

That is what holiness means.

God is not merely a better version of us — He is infinitely above us. He is entirely different from all created things, perfect in every way, untouched by sin, untainted by evil, and wholly worthy of worship.

To be holy is therefore to be set apart for God — reflecting His nature, His purity, and His perfection.
As Scripture declares:

Be holy, for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16

Growing in Holiness
Although only God is perfectly holy, He calls His children to grow in holiness — to become more like Him each day. This process is known as sanctification. It begins the moment we receive Christ as Lord and continues throughout our lives as we surrender our hearts, thoughts, and actions to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Holiness is not about human perfectionism, but about separation from sin and dedication to God. It is a journey of transformation — where our desires, motives, and conduct are gradually shaped by His Spirit and His Word. As we walk with Him daily, our lives begin to reflect His light, His love, and His truth to the world.

For this is the will of God — your sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 4:3