Sanctity signifies a close union with God, coupled with moral perfection resulting from this union. The Church aims to enhance holiness in her members. The doctrine of seeking holiness in everyday life is now common language and part of the everyday teaching in the Church. BETTY AMUKPO relates with some children on possibility of attaining sanctity or holiness. Excerpts:
‘Sanctification is purifying our hearts and minds through fasting and praying’
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ by purifying our hearts and minds through:
• Fasting and praying
• Reading the Bible
• Repenting from our sin
• Giving alms
• Have a good life esteem
• Interacting with children of God.
We can attain sanctity or holiness if we can humble ourselves and repent from our sins. Holiness is growing our personal relationship with God, through our concern to our fellow humans. One of the Characteristics of holy life is the fear of God. Isaiah 57:15 states, “1 am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.”
• Anita Chima
‘Yes, sanctity or holiness is possible through God’s grace’
Yes, sanctity or holiness is possible through God’s grace.1 Peter 1:15-16, states, “But as He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.” This calls for a life of faith, love and obedience to God’s commandments.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Through service to others, frequent attendance of the Holy Mass, faith and obedience, we can cultivate sanctity’
Sanctity or holiness is an attainable aspiration for believers. Matthew 5:48 encourages us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Hebrews 12:14 emphasises the pursuit of holiness as essential for seeing the Lord. Through self denial, service to others, living a sacramental life, frequent attendance of the Holy Mass, faith and obedience, we can cultivate sanctity by recognising God’s presence within us and striving to live in accordance with His divine nature.
• Bukola Sobayo
‘We can be holy by sanctifying ordinary things, doing our normal things for the love of God’
Yes, holiness or sanctity is possible. It is not only possible but also a requirement to go to heaven as stated in the Bible. According to Hebrews 12:14, “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” We can be holy by sanctifying ordinary things; that is by doing our normal things but doing it for the love of God. So, yes holiness or sanctity is possible.
• Ebubechukwu Chinedu
‘Holiness is not only a possibility for us as friends of Jesus but also a requirement to see the Lord’
Yes, sanctity or holiness is possible! We were told by our beloved friend, Jesus that it’s only the pure in heart that shall see God. Holiness is not only a possibility for us as friends of Jesus, but also holiness is a requirement. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). God’s ultimate desire for us is that we be holy – conformed into the image of His Son, Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). Dear friends, Holiness is possible by the grace of God in us.
• Gerald Anthony
‘Yes, it is possible but you have to let God work in your life’
Yes, it is possible but you have to let God work in your life, but no one will attain it without effort on his own part. God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. Holiness is a term used in the Bible to describe God’s goodness and His power. It is completely unique and utterly all powerful, radiating from my God like energy. Ways to strengthen your relationship with God are:
• Humble yourself and pray.
• Read and study your Bible.
• Join a group of like-minded believers.
• Seek out your spiritual gifts.
Characteristics of the call to holiness include:
• Love
• Patience
• Kindness
• Gentleness
• Humility
• Power
• Self control.
• Sandra Ojimadu
‘Sanctity and holiness are possible because when you live a holy life it brings you closer to God’
Yes, sanctity and holiness are possible because when you live a holy life, it brings you closer to God. Holiness is generally the term used in relation to persons and relationships. Sacredness is used in relation to objects, places or happenings. Yes, it is good to be holy because the Bible says in Hebrew 12:14- 15, “Nothing unholy shall see God. We must try to be holy so as to see God because, without holiness nobody shall see God. There are so many men and women that lived a holy life and they are now with God in heaven. Holiness makes people to draw closer to you, to see God in you and holiness makes us to be like God because our God is holy. Because we are made in the image and likeness of God, holiness is number one priority of everyone. Abraham lived a holy life that is why he was called the father of faith, that is why God kept his promises and faith. Naomi was also a holy woman in the Bible. In all we do, we need God. There is difference between sanctity and holiness.
• Chibuike Anyasor
