Holiness in the Bible is always tied to two things: separation and purity. Holiness, in terms of separation, is used to illustrate God’s character that is incomparable; and purity illustrates the quality of God and his holy people who are blameless.
If we read and pay close attention to the whole book of Revelation, we truly see that holiness is a strong theme that appears repeatedly. What does the book of Revelation teach us about holiness?
First, holiness comes from Christ. “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” Revelation 7:14. There is no godly things people do to make them holy before the Lord. Holiness is made possible because of the blood of the Lamb. That is when we receive the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that makes us righteous. But, it is wrong to say that people do not have to do anything to be holy. The words “they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” signifies that there is a “role” we must take in holiness. In what ways do people take their roles? God wants his people to have faith and take action as they receive the sacrifice of Jesus, starting from repentance. It sounds simple, but in our lives these days that are full of worldly values, it is not as easy as we imagine. Revelation 9:20-21 prophesies there will be a time where mankind does not want to repent. How terrifying!
Secondly, holiness talks about our lifestyle. Revelation 17-18 depicts a time where the system of the world and the devil will take over, symbolized by “Babylon.” The adoption of Babylon’s values is illustrated with the physical and spiritual fornication, Revelation 17:2, 19:3. On that day, it is not difficult to imagine how powerful the worldly and the devil’s values are in gripping a nation, a domain and its people. As people of God, we are asked to come out from the lifestyle of Babylon and from everything else that is taking God’s place. To live holy is a daily matter that is integrated in our lifestyle.
Thirdly, holiness has to be worked on and maintained. The book of revelation does not only emphasize the divine role of holiness, but there is also a role for believers to live holy. Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments.” The words “He who overcomes” show that there is something we must do, we must overcome so that we can be found holy and worthy to be citizens of heaven. Holiness that must be worked on is not from external to internal, but it is from internal/within (heart) to external.
Let our eyes be opened to see Him who sits on a throne and to hear the worshippers saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Amen. God bless.
Source : Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta