SPIRIT OF HOLINESS
The Power of Holiness: A Spirit Set Apart
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” — Epistle to the Romans 1:4
Holiness is often misunderstood as mere outward purity or religious discipline. But Scripture reveals something far deeper: holiness is power—the greatest power one can possess. It is the power that conquered death itself.
In Romans 1:4, we see that Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God “with power… according to the spirit of holiness” through His resurrection. This shows us that holiness is not weakness; it is divine strength. It is the very nature of God working within a person.
If holiness is the source of such power, then it must also be the goal of our spiritual lives. Our spirit must be sanctified—cleansed from all that defiles. Things like pride, lust, envy, jealousy, and anger may seem small or even natural, but they corrupt the inner life and weaken the spirit. A holy spirit, on the other hand, is free, strong, and aligned with God.
There is also an eternal perspective to consider. When we leave this world, we do not entrust our bodies to God, but our spirit. Jesus Himself, in His final moments, said, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit” (Gospel of Luke 23:46). Similarly, Stephen, the first martyr, prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts of the Apostles 7:59), even as he forgave those who were taking his life.
These examples remind us of a profound truth: we can only entrust a holy spirit into the hands of a holy God.
So how do we cultivate such a spirit? The answer lies in humble prayer and surrender. Like the Psalmist, we must cry out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalms 51:10). This is not something we can achieve by our own strength—it is a work of God within us.
When our spirit is made right, our relationships will reflect it. We will respond with grace instead of anger, humility instead of pride, and love instead of resentment—even toward those who mistreat us. A right spirit transforms not just our inner life, but every interaction we have.
Holiness, then, is not just a calling—it is the pathway to true power, the power to live like Christ and ultimately, to share in His victory over death.
Prayer:
Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Remove all that defiles my soul, and fill me with Your holiness. Help me to live in a way that honors You, and to respond to others with grace and love. Amen.
Source: from a Christian publication “daily devotional resources”.
