The Greek word *hagios* (G40) in the New Testament, like its Hebrew counterpart *ko-desh* in the Old Testament, primarily indicates separateness rather than inherent spiritual or moral purity. Without context, *hagios* suggests something set apart or dedicated, and its meaning shifts based on the surrounding narrative. When applied to humans in the New Testament, *hagios* often implies moral purity, especially when associated with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing it from mere separation. This connection to the Holy Spirit marks a significant aspect of New Covenant holiness, emphasizing a deeper, internal transformation. In contrast, Old Testament usage of *ko-desh* frequently denotes holiness through association with God, such as the furniture in the Tabernacle or Temple being considered holy simply because of its use in worship, not due to any intrinsic moral quality. Similarly, the nation of Israel was deemed holy because of its covenantal separation from other nations, with moral purity implied by God's choice rather than the people's conduct. Under the New Covenant, *hagios* carries a greater significance, reflecting a holiness that is not just assigned but cultivated through the Holy Spirit and faithful obedience to God's commandments. This internal holiness, enabled by the Holy Spirit, allows individuals to discern true holiness from mere separation, a capacity not as readily available under the Old Covenant. New Testament believers are called holy not only because they are set apart, but because they partake in the Holy Spirit and are justified by the blood of Jesus Christ. True holiness, as exemplified by Jesus Christ and Moses, involves faithful adherence to God's commands, resulting in a character that reflects divine purity from the inside out. Thus, *hagios* in the New Covenant context underscores a transformative holiness that encompasses moral conduct and spiritual dedication, guided by the Spirit of God.

To understand our calling, we must grasp what it means to be a saint, a term translated from the Greek word *hagios* (G40), most often rendered as "holy." In I Corinthians 1:2, the phrase "called to be saints" is interpreted as "called to be holy" in some translations, emphasizing this meaning. Additionally, II Timothy 1:9 reveals that God called us with a holy calling. Therefore, our calling is to be holy, meaning to be separate, set apart, and different. Scripture uses this term to describe one who has been set apart by God, regardless of personal moral quality at the time of separation. God declares us holy because of our position before Him, not due to inherent goodness or character.

Christians are referred to as saints, or "hagios" (G40), 60 times in the New Testament, with 39 of those instances in Paul's epistles. The term "saint," derived from Latin, translates to "sacred or holy one," mirroring the meaning of corresponding Hebrew and Greek words. Being holy encompasses being clean, without blame, without blemish, irreproachable, and separate from the world. When one becomes a true Christian or saint, they are sanctified, which means to be made holy or set apart for a specific purpose, with God taking special care of them. Saints undergo an ongoing purification process known as sanctification, through which they are cleansed, purified, set apart, and made holy by the power of God's Holy Spirit. Initially, this cleansing is achieved through the blood of Christ, and it continues through the instrumentality of God's truth, His Word. The goal is to be blameless in holiness in the presence of God the Father at Christ's return, a strength found in love for God and each other. God guarantees eternal blamelessness or incorruptibility to those who truly love Him and one another. There is an obligation for saints to work hard to be holy in thought, life, reasoning, and discernment. No one can enter the Kingdom or have a personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ without being holy. While God designates the saints as holy, they must also strive to fulfill this calling through repentance of sin, obedience to God's law, overcoming temptations, and producing the fruit of the Spirit in peace. Ultimately, saints are judged worthy of God's Family, participating in the glory of Christ's return, though He remains the focal point. God's presence assures an increase in what is holy, cleansed, purified, and without blemish, dedicating everything to His holy purpose and service.

The Greek word *hagios* (G40) in the New Testament conveys a sense of separateness, much like its Hebrew counterpart *ko-desh*, which derives from a root meaning to cut away and separate. Both terms, without context, simply indicate being set apart for a special purpose. However, *hagios* carries a clearer sense of moral and ethical purity in the New Testament compared to its usage in the Old Testament or in secular Greek, where it lacks any inherent moral connotation. This distinction arises because, in the New Testament, when *hagios* is applied to humans, it often implies an attribute of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God, enhancing its association with purity. Under the New Covenant, holiness as represented by *hagios* surpasses the mere consecration or separation seen in the Old Covenant. While Old Covenant holiness often stemmed from being set apart by God's choice—whether for individuals, objects, or the nation of Israel—without necessarily implying moral purity, the New Covenant introduces a deeper, transformative holiness. This holiness is not just by divine selection but involves actual moral purity developed through the presence of God's Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to live without sin and to have God's laws written in their hearts and minds. The significance of *hagios* in the New Testament highlights a process of becoming holy from the inside out, through obedience and the power of God's Spirit, contrasting sharply with the external consecration of the Old Covenant. This internal transformation, driven by the divine nature imparted through *hagios*, results in a purity and sanctification that physical things cannot impart or defile, as true holiness resides in the heart. Thus, the holiness associated with *hagios* under the New Covenant is far greater, emphasizing a personal and active pursuit of God's character through spiritual means.

In Philippians 1:1, the term "saints" is used to address the believers in Philippi, derived from the Greek word *hagios* (G40), which is equivalent to the Hebrew *kadosh* or *kadash*. This word is often translated as "holy," but its fundamental meaning is to be different or set apart. For instance, in Leviticus 21:6, priests are described as different from other men due to their special function for God. Similarly, in Leviticus 20:26, the nation of Israel is set apart from other nations to serve as an example for God. In Leviticus 27:30, the tithe is categorized as different, devoted specifically to God. Thus, a saint, as used in Philippians, signifies someone who is distinct from others, even from the nation of Israel, because of their relationship in Christ. This difference is characterized by being completely surrounded by the presence of Christ, akin to a bird in the air or a fish in the sea, indicating a life lived in constant awareness of His encircling presence. This relationship issues forth in a life meant to reflect the way Christ lived His, setting believers apart in every environment and situation.

The concept of sanctification, deeply rooted in the Greek word *hagios* (G40), carries the fundamental meaning of being set apart. This term, along with its related forms, underscores the idea of separation for a specific purpose. Sanctification, as the English translation of *hagios*, denotes this act of being set apart, while the word holiness, also derived from the same root, emphasizes the purity that is the ultimate aim of this process—to be pure as God is pure. The focus is on the process rather than the state, as the journey of sanctification involves growth and transformation toward becoming holy like God is holy, powered by His Spirit which guides and aids in this endeavor. The purpose of being set apart through sanctification is tied to preparation for roles in the Kingdom of God, where purity and holiness are essential for the responsibilities ahead.