Jesus Christ, holiness of

The holiness of Jesus Christ is seen in his divine nature and work, as he stands apart from and above the created world with divine power, authority and purity. Recognition of the holiness of Jesus Christ leads both to a realisation of sin and unworthiness and to worship and adoration.

The holy character of Jesus Christ

Its divine origin

Luke 1:35 See also John 1:1–2, John 3:31, John 8:23, John 13:3, John 17:14, John 17:16

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

Its divine nature

Colossians 2:9 See also John 1:14, John 10:30, John 10:38, John 14:10; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:3

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.

Its divine purity

Hebrews 7:26 See also 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:3, 1 John 3:5

Such a high priest truly befits us — One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Its divine power

Acts 4:30 See also Acts 10:38

as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

The holy work of Jesus Christ

He is set apart as God's servant

Acts 4:27 See also Mark 10:45 parallel Matthew 20:28; John 14:31; Acts 3:26; Philippians 2:7–8; Hebrews 10:7

In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.

His life is consecrated to the will and purpose of God

Matthew 26:39 parallels Mark 14:35–36, Luke 22:42 See also Matthew 26:42; John 12:49–50, John 14:31

Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

He is appointed as the judge of sinners

John 5:22, John 5:26–27; Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10

He makes God's people holy

Hebrews 13:12 See also John 17:19; Ephesians 5:25–27; Hebrews 2:11, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:14; 1 Peter 2:4–5, 1 Peter 2:9–10

And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.

Declarations of the holiness of Jesus Christ

By David: Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27, Acts 13:35; Mark 1:24 parallel Luke 4:34 by demons; Luke 1:35 by the angel Gabriel; John 6:69; Acts 3:14; Revelation 3:7 by Jesus Christ himself

Results of recognising the holiness of Jesus Christ

Awareness of sin and unworthiness

Luke 5:8 See also Matthew 8:8 parallel Luke 7:6–7

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”