How does the Bible describe our need for holiness?

Holiness is a fundamental requirement in the life of a believer, as echoed in Scripture from passages like Hebrews 12:14, which reminds us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. This concept of holiness stems from God's absolute perfection and justice. In Exodus 28:41, the high priests were consecrated and made holy through their garments, symbolizing the essential role of Christ's righteousness for believers. Just as the priests needed to be ceremonially clean to serve before God, we must also be covered by the righteousness of Christ to stand before the Holy One. Our personal holiness is not achieved through our efforts but is received through faith in Christ, who sanctifies us and makes us perfectly righteous in God's sight.