Few topics confuse Christians more than holiness. Some say we must strive harder, obey more, fast more, or pursue greater levels of holiness. Others insist holiness is instant and complete.
So which is true?
According to Scripture, both—but in different ways.
To understand holiness biblically, you must distinguish between:
- Holiness as your identity (complete and unchanging)
- Holiness in your conduct (growing in expression)
Let’s explore both.
Holiness as Identity: Complete and Never Growing
The New Testament is clear: when you are born again, you become holy instantly, fully, and permanently.
You don’t grow into holiness—you are born into it.
Here’s what the Word says:
- “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
(Hebrews 10:10) - “By one sacrifice He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
(Hebrews 10:14) - “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus…”
(1 Corinthians 1:2) - “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”
(1 Peter 2:9)
Your holiness as a believer:
- does not increase or decrease
- is not based on behavior
- is not earned by devotion
- is not maintained by effort
- is rooted entirely in your union with Christ
If holiness could grow in this sense, it would imply that Christ’s sacrifice was insufficient — a direct contradiction to Hebrews 10.
This is positional holiness — your identity.
Holiness in Conduct: Growing in Expression, Not Status
While your identity is perfectly holy, your life gradually reflects that holiness more and more.
This is not about becoming holy — it is about living out the holiness you already have.
This is why the New Testament speaks of growth, transformation, and maturity:
- “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
(2 Corinthians 7:1) - “This is the will of God: your sanctification…”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3) - “Be holy in all your conduct.”
(1 Peter 1:15–16)
These verses do not say:
- “Become more holy.”
- “Climb the holiness ladder.”
- “Get higher levels of sanctification.”
Instead, they are saying:
Let your conduct align with your identity.
Be outwardly what you already are inwardly.
This is the holiness that grows — the expression, not the status.
How Do We Grow in Holiness? The Bible’s Actual Method
The Bible gives two primary ways we grow in the expression of holiness:
a) Renewing the Mind
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
(Romans 12:2)
You grow as you replace old patterns with truth.
Holiness in practice flows from right believing, not self-effort.
b) Walking by the Spirit
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
(Galatians 5:16)
Holiness is fruit, not labor.
It shows up naturally when we walk by the Spirit, not by moral striving.
Why This Distinction Matters
When Christians confuse identity with conduct, several problems arise:
❌ Legalism:
“You’re not holy enough yet—you must try harder.”
❌ Insecurity:
“I think God is disappointed with me.”
❌ Condemnation:
“My holiness fluctuates based on my performance.”
But when you understand the truth:
✔️ Confidence:
“I am holy because I am in Christ.”
✔️ Security:
“My holiness is not fragile.”
✔️ Transformation:
“I grow naturally as I renew my mind and walk in the Spirit.”
Holiness becomes a relationship, not a ladder.
A Simple Picture: Identity vs. Maturity
A baby is fully part of the family from day one.
The child does not grow into becoming more of a son or daughter.
But the child grows in:
- understanding
- wisdom
- maturity
- expression of their identity
It’s the same with holiness.
You are 100% holy from the moment you believe.
Your maturity grows, not your holiness.
Conclusion: So Can We Grow in Holiness?
Yes — but only in the sense of expression, not identity.
- Your positional holiness in Christ is complete, perfect, and unchanging.
- Your practical holiness — the way you live — matures as your mind is renewed and as you walk by the Spirit.
You are not climbing toward holiness.
You are living from holiness.
That is grace; That is the finished work.
That is the gospel.
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