On occasion, the question of holiness has been presented to me by different people earnestly seeking an explanation of biblical holiness. A further inquiry was about the statements of Scripture. Cultural background and the changing lifestyle of our Western society has done much to distort our concept of true biblical holiness, hence the infiltration of a worldliness that has made the identification of the true Christian difficult to determine. Biblical holiness means being separated from sin and separated unto God. This dual operation can be an attractive testimony for all to see.
True holiness has nothing to do with penance, so called, but rather penitence and repentance.
We are exhorted in 2- Cor. The battle against sin must be won in the thought life for we are being constantly bombarded with evil thoughts. Suggestive and subtle propositions come to us via radio, television, movies, magazines, pamphlets and so on. The liquor industry cleverly suggests that drinking is a social grace. Repetition of such suggestive appeals soon take their toll.