The Holiness of Man

“Be holy, for I am holy.” The command is unmistakable. Yet it raises a fundamental question: How can fallen, sinful human beings ever become holy?

The Holiness of Man examines the biblical answer by beginning with the holiness of God and the calling of His people to be set apart to Him. John L. Wheeler traces the work of God in making an unholy people holy through election, union with Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and the transforming ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The book also considers the believer’s responsibility to pursue holiness. Grace does not make obedience unnecessary, nor does obedience become the basis of salvation. Rather, those whom God has made alive in Christ are called to put sin to death, put on the new self, and live as a holy people in an unholy world.

Moving from doctrine to Christian life and witness, Wheeler considers what holiness means for believers who are called to be salt and light, fishers of men, and faithful followers of Christ while living among those who do not share their faith.

Written for Christians who want to understand both the source and practice of biblical holiness, The Holiness of Man presents holiness not as a means of earning God’s favor but as the necessary fruit of His gracious work in those who belong to Christ.