“for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name” Moses 6:57
God is called the “Man of Holiness” to convey His very nature and essence, emphasizing that He is set apart, pure, and perfect. Today we see holiness as a continuous journey of becoming more like God, characterized by moral purity, dedication to God, and loving service to others, made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and diligently applying divine principles. However, its origin is more nuanced.
Word Origin
Hebrew Kodesh (קדש), “holy” carries a profound meaning that centers on being “set apart,” or separate from common and profane for a sacred use. Holiness belongs to the Lord, often associated with a holy place, the temple. In fact, the word “profane” originates from the Latin word profanus, which literally means “outside the temple”.
A critical aspect of a temple’s holiness is its strict separation from profane space. Because of its sacredness, entry into a temple is restricted to those who meet specific “thresholds of holiness”. Those who are not “sacred” are prevented from entering to avoid profaning God’s temple. This emphasizes the importance of personal holiness and purity for approaching the divine.
Greek The Greek word most used for “holiness” is hágios (ἅγιος), which is often translated as “holy” or “saint”. So, what does “saint” mean? In its most basic sense, a saint is a “holy one” who is set apart and separated from the world for sacred purposes. Hence, true disciples of Jesus Christ are saints. Apostle Paul addresses his letters to the saints. New Testament writers take their use of the word saints (“holy ones”) from the Old Testament (e.g., Exod 31:13; Lev 11:45; 19:2; Dan 7:18, 27).
Holiness in the Old Testament
Gaye Strathearn points out: “The Old Testament uses kodesh primarily to describe the Temple (see Exodus 28:29, 35, 43; 29:30; 35:19; 39:41; 2 Chronicles 5:11; 29:5, 7; 35:5), including priesthood garments (see Exodus 28:2, 4; 31:10), the Temple altar and the laver (see 30:28–29), and the holy mountain (see Ezekiel 28:14; Daniel 9:20; 11:45). In these instances, it refers to a specific geographic area and the things contained therein that have been designated as kodesh (“Holiness to the Lord’ and Personal Temple Worship”).
The ancient Israelite Tabernacle, and later the Temple, was designed with three progressively holy areas: the outer court, the holy place, and the Holy of Holies. The outer court, where the laver and altar of sacrifice were located, could be entered by Levites and the people and may represent a telestial glory. The holy place, containing the table of shewbread, candlestick, and altar of incense, could only be entered by ordained priests and represents a terrestrial degree of glory. The most sacred space, housing the Ark of the Covenant, was the Holy of Holies, accessible yearly to the High Priest, representing celestial glory. This symbolic journey of degrees of holiness, from outer court to the Holy of Holies, illustrates man’s upward progress from being alienated from God to achieving intimacy with Him. Holiness is directly linked with proximity to God.
Why Did The High Priest Have “Holiness to the Lord” on His Forehead?
The High Priest in ancient Israel had the phrase “Holiness to the Lord” inscribed on a plate of pure gold worn on his forehead. It was a divinely bestowed honor of the greatest significance, identifying the high priest with the Lord Himself. The placement of the inscription on the forehead meant that the high priest must constantly be thinking about holiness while officiating in the Tabernacle, especially when entering the presence of God. This “Holiness to the Lord” on Aaron’s headband was not merely a declaration of his holiness, but an imperative to maintain that focus.
Holiness in the New Testament
In the New Testament, holiness builds upon and deepens the Old Testament understanding, primarily focusing on transformation through Christ’s Atonement, and becoming like God. Receiving the “power and blessings of His Atonement” through sacred ordinances is likened to figuratively “eating His flesh and drinking His blood”. The New Testament emphasizes that Israel (and by extension, the Saints) must be holy by separating from the profane because God is holy. Peter exhorts, “Be holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Holiness in Our Dispensation
The phrase “Holiness to the Lord” is inscribed on temples and is a constant reminder and pledge of holiness. Temples are “holy places” which are cut off from the profane and require and perpetuate holiness, offering sacred ordinances and covenants that enable individuals to progress toward divinity. The holy work for the dead (vicarious ordinances) is crucial for “perfection,” as neither the living nor the dead can be made perfect or holy without each other.
Holiness ensures the companionship of the Holy Ghost and is key to happiness. It provides a foundation of joy that can help us navigate difficult times and endows us with the strength to endure. After repentance and increased holiness, we qualify for greater happiness. In moments of acting in holiness, one can feel the Spirit nearly overwhelmingly, a feeling more desirable than any worldly pursuit.
These blessings highlight that holiness is not merely an abstract concept but a transformative process that profoundly enriches our life, relationships, and eternal destiny.
Those who enter the temple are also to bear the attribute of holiness. It may be easier to ascribe holiness to a building than it is to a people. We can acquire holiness only by enduring and persistent personal effort.
President Russell M. Nelson
Our Final Aspiration
Calling God, the “Man of Holiness” defines His very being as the ultimate standard of purity and distinction. It signifies His absolute separation from sin and profanity, His inherent divine attributes. The purpose of divine commandments, ordinances, and temples is to distance ourselves from the world and become holy as God is holy. The Lord has the power to make us holy. Our Heavenly Father creating us in His image is not complete until it includes divine holiness.
An Illustration
Holiness has the power to transform us and those around us. The president of the Alberta Temple related this incident. He said, “A group of young people came to the temple for the first time to do baptisms for the dead. After they had participated in two or three baptismal sessions and were about ready to go home, I suggested that they could come down to my office and I would attempt to answer any questions they might have. I talked to them about their own baptisms. I said, ‘After your own baptism, you were told to receive the Holy Ghost, which means that the Holy Ghost will guide and bless you if you are worthy. If anyone should oppose you, or bring harm to you, you can overcome that opposition by the influence of the Holy Ghost.’
“I looked around and saw a pleasant young girl sobbing. She said, ‘When I was baptized, my mother cursed me. Every time I would go out she was vile and called me wicked names. When I told her I was going to the temple, she profaned and said I was no daughter of hers. I have been fasting ever since I left home that here in the temple I would be given a guide and the power to overcome the opposition of my mother. I was going away disappointed. But now, at the last moment, you have given me the key.’ A smile lit up on her face as she said, ‘I am going to bring Mother within the influence of the power of the Holy Ghost which I have a right to enjoy.’”
Then the president said, “Weeks went by, and a letter came from this girl that said, ‘When I returned home and entered the house, Mother greeted me similarly to the way she had when I left, by profaning. On other occasions I had fought back, but this time I walked over and put my arm around her shoulder and said, “Mother, I am not going to quarrel with you today. I want you to come over on the couch and sit down beside me. I want to tell you something.” This surprised Mother. As we sat down, we touched cheeks so that in actuality the Spirit would emanate from me to her, and I bore my testimony. I told her what a wonderful experience I had had in the temple. And to my amazement, Mother burst into tears and begged my forgiveness.’
“The girl closed her letter by saying, ‘We are now preparing Mother to be baptized a member of the Church.’” (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places, 94–95).
