“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house” (Hebrews 3:1-2 KJV).
So, the opening verse of Hebrews chapter three begins with an address to the “…holy brothers and sisters, partakers of a heavenly calling…” (NASB). Unfortunately, this word “holy” is a word that people often seem to use with little concern for its meaning.
For instance, some may equate “holiness” with a stoic, self-denying lifestyle. Others feel comfortable using the word “holy” as part of an exclamation or expression of surprise. However, those who use this word in a flippant or irreverent manner might be less inclined to do so if they knew what it actually meant.
You see, the word “holy” expresses the qualities of moral purity and ethical perfection, especially when used in relation to God. It also encompasses a person or thing that has been set apart from others. When used correctly, the word “holiness” conveys God’s moral perfection and complete separation from anything that might be wrong, corrupt, immoral, or impure. In light of this, a person who uses the word “holy” in a way that doesn’t honor God’s sacred character is someone who fails to represent Him in an appropriate manner.
We should also note that the Biblical book of Revelation associates holiness with Christ Himself. As Jesus stated in His own words…
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true. He is the one who has the key of David. He opens doors, and no one can shut them; he shuts doors, and no one can open them” (Revelation 3:7 NLT).
Truth and holiness are not simply characteristics that Jesus possesses- they are intrinsic elements of His being. While there were many so-called “gods” in the New Testament era (just as there are many such “gods” today), none of those so-called gods held a valid claim to holiness. Only Jesus could legitimately make that claim, and the same is true today.
In the context of Hebrews 3:1, holiness serves to characterize those who had been set apart by God. Thus, “The word ‘holy’ here does not have particular reference to a quality of life but to a position in salvation… Thus, the basic idea of the word is that of a set-apart, a separated position with reference to God.” (1)
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Hebrews 3:1) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.