The Twofold Nature of Holiness

👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽The #Twofold #Nature of #Holiness Beloved followers of the Orthodox faith, let us approach this sacred teaching with reverence and awe, for holiness is not merely a virtue but the very essence of God Himself. As we embark on this study, let us meditate deeply on the mystery of holiness, for it is both the foundation of divine existence and the path to which we, as His creation, are called. Holiness is divided into two: 1. The Holiness of Character This holiness belongs to God alone. It is intrinsic to His very being and cannot be separated from Him, nor can it be shared or imparted as something external. When we call God "Holy," we do not describe an attribute among many; rather, we proclaim His very nature. What Defines the Holiness of God? It is not separate from Him – Holiness is not an addition to God’s essence but is His essence itself. If He were not holy, He would not be God. It is not received from anyone – Unlike created beings who receive virtues from God, His holiness is inherent, eternal, and without origin. It is not borrowed – There is no source of holiness apart from God, for He alone is its wellspring. No one can take it – His holiness is beyond theft or loss; it is immutable, as He is unchanging. It is His own property – Holiness is not a gift given to Him, nor something He attains, but His eternal possession, existing before all ages. Thus, when the Lord commands, "I, the Lord your God, am holy, so you must be holy" (Leviticus 19:2), He calls us not to possess holiness as He does for that is impossible but to reflect His holiness by partaking in the life He offers. Even the Psalmist, when he declares, "I will worship toward your holy temple, I will praise your name for your lovingkindness and your truth; you have magnified your holy name above all" (Psalm 137:2), acknowledges that God's holiness is above all things, exalted beyond comprehension. 2. The Holiness of Grace If the holiness of character belongs to God alone, then what holiness can man attain? It is the holiness of grace—the holiness that is given, not inherent; received, not possessed. What is Grace? Grace is: Kindness – The love of God that seeks to save rather than condemn. Goodness – The divine benevolence that overflows upon creation. Mercy – The forbearance of God, who grants salvation to the undeserving. Unmerited favor – That which cannot be earned by human effort but is given freely by divine generosity. A gift without limit – The boundless and inexhaustible treasure that God bestows upon those who seek Him. When we speak of the holiness of grace, we refer to the sanctity that man receives from God, the gift of holiness imparted to those who accept His call. This is why Scripture proclaims: "He loves righteousness and justice; the goodness of God has filled the earth." (Psalm 32:5) For the holiness of grace is not withheld from the world; rather, it fills creation, calling all to partake in the divine life. Yet, though the invitation is extended universally, not all receive it. The Apostle Paul affirms: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, to those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Here, we see that God's grace works in all things, but it is effective in the lives of those who love Him. Many hear the call to holiness, but few embrace it, as the Lord Himself declared: "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). Continues 👇🏽