How Can I Grow In Holiness

Understanding Holiness: God’s Call for Every Believer

Holiness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, summoning believers to a life that reflects God’s character and glory. But what does it truly mean to grow in holiness, and how can we practically pursue it in our daily lives? Let’s explore this vital topic through Scripture.

1. The Foundation of Holiness: God’s Nature and Our Calling

The call to holiness is rooted in the very nature of God. The Bible reminds us that God is holy, and He desires His people to reflect His holiness.

but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:15-16 ASV

This call is not merely a suggestion but a command. Holiness means to be “set apart” for God-living differently because we belong to Him.

2. The Role of Salvation: A New Identity in Christ

Growth in holiness begins with salvation. No one can live a holy life apart from being born again through faith in Jesus Christ. Our position before God changes when we trust in Christ’s finished work.

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ASV

We are declared righteous in God’s sight (justification), but the journey of becoming more like Christ (sanctification) is a lifelong process.

3. The Process of Sanctification: Growing Day by Day

Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in believers, shaping us into Christ’s likeness. This transformation involves both God’s work and our active response.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification... - 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ASV

While God empowers us, we are called to pursue holiness intentionally:

By the Word: God’s Word has a sanctifying effect.

Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. - John 17:17 ASV

By Prayer: Prayer is vital for spiritual growth.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation... - Matthew 26:41 ASV

By the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. - Galatians 5:16 ASV

4. Practical Steps to Grow in Holiness

Scripture offers practical guidance for pursuing holiness:

Confess and Forsake Sin: Regular self-examination and repentance keep our hearts aligned with God.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 ASV

Renew Your Mind: Fill your mind with God’s truth, not the world’s patterns.

And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind... - Romans 12:2 ASV

Pursue Fellowship: Surround yourself with believers who will encourage and challenge you.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together... - Hebrews 10:24-25 ASV

Practice Obedience: Obedience is the fruit of a life yielded to God.

If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. - John 14:15 ASV

5. Encouragement: Holiness Is Both a Privilege and a Process

Growing in holiness is not about achieving sinless perfection in this life but about steadily becoming more like Christ by God’s grace. The Lord Himself is committed to this process:

being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6 ASV

As we pursue holiness in dependence on Christ, we reflect His character to the world and experience the joy of walking closely with Him.