“You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.” — Leviticus 20:26 (BSB)
“Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 (BSB)
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” — 2 Corinthians 7:1 (BSB)
To be holy means living in reverent fear of God, turning from sin, walking in the Spirit, and bearing the fruit of righteousness. It involves continual repentance, growth in grace, and obedience to God’s Word. Holiness is not achieved by human strength, but by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit as we abide in Christ and submit to His will.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Holiness is not about spiritual elitism—it is about being conformed to Jesus. True holiness humbles us, purifies us, and draws us closer to the heart of God.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “God calls His people to be holy—not only in worship, but in relationships, speech, sexuality, work, and service. Holiness is wholeness in Christ.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer regularly leads the Church in prayers for holiness, such as the Collect for Purity, which prays, “Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee…”
J.C. Ryle, writing with passion and clarity, declared, “Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God. It is not mere morality—it is spiritual likeness to Christ. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” (Holiness, 1877)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Holiness is not optional—it’s essential. Christ died not only to forgive our sins, but to make us holy. The world needs to see a Church that is clean, courageous, and consecrated.”
Holiness glorifies Christ by reflecting His purity, love, and truth. It is God’s will for every believer, and it is the beautiful fruit of walking closely with Him.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Holiness is not withdrawal from life, but transformation of it. The holy life is not proud, but obedient; not flashy, but faithful.” — Sermon 217
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Holiness is a life set apart for God, in prayer, purity, and charity. It is the soul’s response to the call of grace.” — The Long Rules, 2.1
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “To be holy is to be near to God, and to be like Him. Let your home, your tongue, your conscience—all be holy.” — Homily on Matthew, 15
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
