Holiness unto the Lord

Holiness stands for three things. First, separation from sin and common use, as the one day among the days of the week, as the one mountain amid the mountains of the world, and as the child Samuel amid the boys and girls of his age—separate from sin and common use.

Second, it means to be separated unto the service of God. That which is kept from sin is reserved for God’s most holy use, and that which is taken from common service is reserved utterly and absolutely for Him. Just as you would not permit the chalice and platten which are used for the communion service to be employed for the common meals of your own home, so that which is holy is reserved and set apart for sacred use.

Third, while holiness means separation from and separation to, it also implies Godlikeness, because that which is reserved for God’s use takes on something of God’s nature. Just as the silver plate at the Lord’s Table reflects the light of the face of him who bears it, so that which is used by God tends to become like God. Never forget that holiness is not an attainment, but an attitude. It is the opening of the heart to the balmy air and