Holiness is derived from our relationship with God, who is holy. Holiness is not something we possess but a relationship into which we have entered. As a relationship it is ongoing. “Whatever touches the altar shall become holy” Ex 29:37 (ESV). Christ is our High Priest, Altar and Sacrifice. He does not give us a stock of holiness so we can say, “I got it.” We are only holy in our relationship to Him. Relationships have to be maintained. If we have Him and He has us, then we are “In Christ,” joined to Him. There is holiness in that union.
“The sin offering shall be slaughtered before the LORD at the spot where the burnt offering is slaughtered; it is most holy…Whatever touches its flesh shall become holy.” Lev 6:25b, 27a (NRSV)
