The Attributes of God and Justice
Part 1: Holiness
God possesses attributes which are characterized in two categories: incommunicable and communicable. Those attributes which are incommunicable are those that He holds uniquely to Himself and does not share to any degree with human beings. An attribute which is communicable is one that God possesses and exemplifies but is also one which humanity can possess to a degree.
Holiness is one of God’s communicable attributes. When we say that God is holy, we mean that He is set apart from His creation. It also informs us that God is morally pure and there is no sin or wrongdoing in Him. God is perfect in Himself and His ways. Holiness is the attribute which describes our God succinctly.
God also calls His people to be holy as well. Believers were chosen to be holy before the creation of the universe (Eph. 1:13). Because of God’s holiness, followers of Christ are called to be holy as well. “But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct (I Pet. 1:15, HCSB). God’s holiness compels us to pursue justice in our relationships with others. We are to work toward acting in a fashion that is morally pure and without sin in our personal interactions. Disciples of Jesus are to treat our fellow man fairly. Believers are also called to correct our violations of those basic tenets of moral purity and fairness when they occur.
Mark Riser - Apologist 