The Most Holy Things in the Bible
The Bible, revered as the inspired Word of God, presents a rich tapestry of sacred elements that reveal the nature of holiness and its profound significance in the relationship between God and humanity. Throughout its pages, the Bible emphasizes the concept of holiness—what it means to be “set apart” for divine purpose—and identifies certain things as “most holy” due to their role in God’s plan and presence. These holy things include objects, places, people, and spiritual truths that reflect God's character and covenant with His people.
1. The Holiness of God
At the core of the Bible's concept of holiness is God Himself. God's holiness is not just one of His attributes—it defines His very essence. He is absolutely pure, morally perfect, and entirely separate from sin.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” — Isaiah 6:3
The thrice-repeated "holy" underscores God's ultimate sanctity. His holiness is so pure and powerful that even heavenly beings cover their faces in His presence. All other holy things derive their sanctity from Him.
2. The Holy of Holies
The Holy of Holies (or "Most Holy Place") was the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. It was the most sacred location in Israel's worship life because it was where God's presence dwelled on earth.
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Only the high priest could enter it.
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It could be entered only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
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It housed the Ark of the Covenant.
The Holy of Holies symbolized the unapproachable holiness of God and the separation caused by human sin. The tearing of the veil at Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of that separation through Christ.
3. The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant was one of the most sacred objects in the Bible. It represented God's throne on earth and was kept in the Holy of Holies.
“They shall make an ark of acacia wood... And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you.” — Exodus 25:10-16
Contents of the Ark:
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The tablets of the Ten Commandments
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Aaron’s rod that budded
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A jar of manna
The Ark symbolized God’s covenant, law, provision, and authority. Touching it irreverently, as in the case of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:7), resulted in death—a clear statement of its holiness.
4. The Tabernacle and Temple
The Tabernacle, later replaced by the Temple, was the earthly dwelling place of God among His people. These structures were holy because they were divinely designed and dedicated for worship and sacrifice.
Each had:
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The Outer Court
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The Holy Place
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The Most Holy Place
Every aspect of their construction—the altars, basins, lampstands, priestly garments—was consecrated.
“You shall anoint the tabernacle... and all its furniture, so that they may be most holy.” — Exodus 40:9-10
Even the utensils used in the Temple were set apart as “most holy.”
5. The Priests and High Priest
The Aaronic priesthood was set apart to serve in the Temple. They were consecrated with rituals involving anointing oil and sacrificial offerings.
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High Priest: The most sacred office, entering the Holy of Holies once a year.
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Garments included a breastplate, ephod, and a turban inscribed with “HOLY TO THE LORD.”
The priesthood pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16), who would mediate a new covenant.
6. The Sabbath
The Sabbath is one of the first things the Bible declares as holy:
“And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” — Genesis 2:3
Later, it was codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). Observing the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant and a recognition of God as Creator and Redeemer.
Jesus later declared that “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), reframing its observance around relationship rather than legalism.
7. The Name of God
God’s name is considered most holy in Jewish and Christian thought. So sacred was the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) that Jewish scribes would not pronounce it.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” — Exodus 20:7
Jesus taught His disciples to begin prayer by honoring the sanctity of God’s name:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” — Matthew 6:9
8. The Word of God
The Scriptures themselves are considered holy. Paul wrote:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
God’s Word is not merely literature; it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), revealing His will and character.
9. The Covenant
The covenants God made with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and finally, the New Covenant through Jesus, are sacred bonds initiated by God.
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The Old Covenant centered around the Law and sacrifices.
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The New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus, centers on grace, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” — Matthew 26:28
The covenant is holy because it represents the intimate, binding relationship between God and His people.
10. The Cross of Christ
Although a symbol of Roman execution, the Cross is the holiest emblem in Christianity, representing the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
“But we preach Christ crucified… to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:23-24
The Cross is sacred because it is the place where God's justice and mercy met—where sin was judged and grace extended.
11. The Blood of Jesus
Referred to as precious (1 Peter 1:19), the blood of Jesus is most holy because it accomplished redemption.
“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” — Hebrews 9:22
The blood sanctifies believers, cleanses consciences, and secures eternal salvation.
12. The Body of Christ (Believers)
The Church, often called the Body of Christ, is considered holy.
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” — 1 Peter 2:9
Believers are called saints (from Latin sanctus, meaning “holy”) and are to live lives reflecting God’s holiness.
Additionally, the human body is called a temple:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19
13. The Spirit of God
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and is Himself most holy.
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He sanctifies believers (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
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He convicts the world of sin and leads into truth.
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Blasphemy against the Spirit is considered an unforgivable sin (Mark 3:29), highlighting the Spirit’s sanctity.
14. The New Jerusalem
The New Jerusalem, described in Revelation, is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the eternal dwelling place of the righteous with God.
“Nothing impure will ever enter it… but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” — Revelation 21:27
It is described as a holy city, shining with God’s glory, with no temple—because God Himself is its temple.
15. Heaven and the Throne of God
The heavenly realm is the ultimate holy place. Countless biblical visions show the throne of God surrounded by worship, purity, and awe.
“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven.” — Psalm 11:4
This realm is untouched by sin and reveals the full majesty and holiness of God.
Conclusion: The Call to Holiness
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes not only God's holiness but His desire for His people to reflect that holiness:
“Be holy, because I am holy.” — Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16
Holiness is not simply ceremonial—it is moral, relational, and transformational. To encounter the most holy things in the Bible is to be reminded of God's unapproachable light, yet also His grace that draws near to transform sinners into saints.
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