Why is holiness important in salvation?

Holiness is significant because God’s character is intrinsically holy, and therefore, His way of salvation must also be holy. Isaiah 35:8 states that 'the unclean shall not pass over it', indicating that only those made clean through the blood of Jesus can walk this way. As it is affirmed in Psalm 33:4, 'the Word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth'. This necessitates that salvation comes only through a means that aligns with God’s righteous character. Thus, without the redemptive work of Christ, who cleanses us from our sins (1 John 1:7), no one could be justified. Acknowledging Christ as our substitute in this holy way is essential for true salvation.