Noah Webster brought a great definition to holiness. I think it is good to look at holiness in both the person of God and as application to its pursuit by people; in light of His Sovereignty.

The Sovereignty of God and the pursuit of holiness by His people are a beautiful marriage. Here is holiness defined for both. Observe the notation that for man it is NOT perfection.....

HO'LINESS, n. [from holy.] The state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, one of his essential attributes.

Who is like thee, glorious in holiness? Ex.15.

1. Applied to human beings, holiness is purity of heart or dispositions; sanctified affections; piety; moral goodness, but not perfect.

I really can pursue holiness without being perfect....ssshhheww thats a relief! I believe the Word teaches this.

We have so many beautiful stories of people in the Bible who are considered faithful (Hebrews 11) and they were by no means perfect. Yet they were in the "pursuit" of holiness.

The "pursuit of holiness is a noble cause because it is actually the pursuit of God ...the Holy one! So when Jesus says "Be holy for I am holy" It makes me want to run to His embrace because He is calling me to the "pursuit" of Himself

So its not about personal perfection...its about the Perfect One!!!


Pursue God and you will be pursuing holiness.