True Holiness

What comes to mind when you hear the word holiness? For many, it sounds intimidating—like a standard we could never reach. Others reduce it to moral rule-keeping or avoiding sin. But what if holiness is less about striving for perfection and more about experiencing the transforming presence of God?

“True holiness is a profound, living encounter with the living God. It is an encounter that takes us beyond ourselves into the very heart of God.”

— John Eldredge, The Utter Relief of Holiness

In his book, Eldredge reminds us that holiness isn’t primarily about performance. It’s not about gritting our teeth and trying harder to be good. Rather, holiness is a dynamic, transformative encounter with the living God—one that pulls us out of ourselves and draws us into His heart.

What is holiness? Holiness is being separated from the ordinary. God is holy because as Creator He is separate from His creation. God is holy because He is perfectly good and separate from beings who are a mix of good and bad.

This means that holiness is not self-produced. It is a gift received through faith and obedience, reshaping our hearts and minds. God declares that His people are holy. The foundation of our holiness is a living relationship with God that changes our status. We are ultimately holy, separated from the ordinary reality of this world, not because of our moral perfection, but because of God’s declaration.

When we encounter the goodness and love of God, we are overwhelmed with awe, love, and conviction. These three feelings draw us closer to Him, and that relationship ignites our spiritual formation. Therefore, as we grow in our understanding of His character and boundless love, as we pledge our allegiance to King Jesus, we begin to reflect that love outward to the people around us. 

Holiness, then, isn’t about rigid compliance or flawless performance. It’s about being remade by God’s love—and letting that renewal spill into every corner of our lives. It’s a way of living that demonstrates His character and brings Him glory.

Pursuing holiness requires intention. It is the discipline following God daily—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and even in the quiet rhythms of life. As James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

True holiness is not something we can achieve on our own. It is a gift of grace, born from a living encounter with God. And as we walk in His presence day by day, His Spirit transforms us from the inside out—freeing us from what weighs us down and empowering us to love God with all or our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

So let’s not settle for a shallow view of holiness as rule-keeping. Let’s pursue an encounter with the living and holy God. Let’s open our lives to God’s presence and allow His goodness to set us free.