Continuities between Old and New Testaments The nature of
holiness In both biblical testaments, holiness is first a status
conferred by God on those he has redeemed and drawn to himself
(e.g. Ex. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11). It is also a calling to
be lived out in obedience to his word, in separation from the
world and its values (e.g. Lv. 19:1; 1 Thes. 4:1-8). Holiness is
an expression of the covenant relationship in which God has
placed us. We are to bear witness to a fallen world of God’s
character and intentions for humanity by our distinctive, God-
determined lifestyle (e.g. 1 Pet. 2:9-12). See my argument in
Possessed by God. The parameters of holiness The parameters of
holiness were established for Israel in the Mosaic law, where
issues of sexual behaviour and interpersonal relationships are
central. But the prescriptions of the law with regard to
sexuality reflect the fundamental principles of Genesis about
God’s purposes in creation. See Holiness and God’s Creation
Purpose. The parameters of holines