There are several terms used in the Bible which have truly unique meanings. One such term is “holiness” which can also be understood as being “sanctified.” The words “holy” and “saint” both have the same original word and only translated differently according to the context.
In the Bible we read of the concept of a proven holiness. James describes as “all joy” the testing on one’s faith through trials because “the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Jam. 1:2, 3, NASU). Peter describes our faith as “more precious than gold” and tested through fire with the result being “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:7). However, some may ask: Why should we have to prove our holiness? Is it not cruel for God to ask such things of His created? These questions miss an important reality concerning holiness and its demands. God has not asked us to do anything He has not already done.