Generations Set Apart: 7 Reasons Scriptural Holiness is Vital Today.
“May we all thus experience what it is to be, not almost only; but altogether Christians.”
In his recent, widely shared post, Clayton Sidenbender emphasizes the increasing draw to Wesleyan theology. For what it’s worth, I, too, believe this will be especially common among Gen Z and Gen Alpha in the upcoming years. There is a revival of Wesleyan-Arminian theology, cultivating a spirit of hunger worldwide. Amid the burdens of today's world, the message of Entire Sanctification brings about a grace-filled hopefulness to those who choose to pursue it. Because I work with students daily, I often see firsthand the battles they face, many of which I have not faced myself, though I am only one generation away.
I am hopeful, though, because the message of Entire Sanctification can help younger generations now more than ever.
Here are seven reasons why the message of Scriptural Holiness is vital in today's society and why I believe, as Sidenbender states, young people are running towards the Wesleyan doctrine in this day and age.
1. Holiness Creates True Community That Overcomes Loneliness
Often described as one of the most technology-fluent generations, Gen Z (born 1997-2010) has grown up with limitless access to information and computers. Gen Alpha (born 2010-2025) will be the first generation ever fully immersed in technology from birth. According to research, 90% of children aged 2-11 have a smart device. And even though they may feel more "connected," teenagers and kids alike are engaging in fewer face-to-face interactions. As a result, reports of loneliness are skyrocketing among individuals found in these two generations. Research has shown that approximately 73% of individuals aged 16-24 report struggling with feelings of loneliness. Pursuing holiness provides a deep, life-giving community rooted in God's perfect love. As we strive to become more like Jesus, we understand that God is relational and He calls us to be, too.
2. Holiness Cultivates Self-Giving Instead of Self-Seeking
With such widespread access to the digital world, both Gen Z and Gen Alpha are placing a greater emphasis on individuality and self-expression than we have seen in previous generations. Gathered from the vast amounts of studies conducted on past and present generations, research consistently points to the same conclusion: a rapid rise in individualism. Though society seems to be encouraging an emphasis on self now more than ever, it often comes at the cost of more profound, meaningful relationships. Holiness brings God and others to the center of our attention rather than wasted energy focused on self. In his book Let's Start with Jesus, Dr. Dennis Kinlaw paints the perfect picture of self-giving love that Jesus modeled for us: this kind of love is other-oriented. As we become more and more like Jesus, others become more and more of the focus.
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
3. Holiness Brings Hope in a Hopeless World
Unfortunately, Gen Z and Gen Alpha have faced numerous global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability and unrest, and international wars. It often seems as if a new potential disaster emerges every week. These challenges have no doubt fueled rising levels of anxiety and hopelessness among the world's young people. It should come as no surprise that approximately 57% of Gen Z say they feel less than optimistic about the future. Praise Jesus that the message of scriptural holiness brings hope not only for today but also for eternity. Rather than being burdened by legalism, young people are finding a freedom in Wesleyan tradition that they have not experienced before.
4. Holiness Fosters Reconciliation in a Divided Society
The ongoing breakdown of traditional family structures and the ever-evolving societal norms have left our rising generations seeking guidance on how to build healthy, authentic relationships. From murders to riots to cancel culture, discord overshadows nearly everything technology exposes us to.
Scriptural holiness is a call to love both God and others perfectly. As God loves us, so should we love others. This is a framework for what our relationships should look like. It should come as no surprise that some of the most common stories from the Asbury Outpouring in February of 2023 were those of relationship reconciliation: story after story has proved that the heart of God is for us to be reconciled in our relationships with others. Holiness restores broken relationships through the love of Christ, creating unity where division and discord once were.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, NIV)
5. Holiness Calls for Authenticity Over Hypocrisy
From political leaders to educators, upcoming generations crave authenticity more than ever in their relationships and institutions. Because God created us for community and because this seems to be where these generations are lacking, they seem increasingly drawn to transparent, genuine relationships. One of John Wesley's guiding principles was radical accountability to his peers; this fact should not be lost on us. Holiness calls us to live transparently and sincerely, reflecting the authenticity that Gen Z and Gen Alpha desperately seek in their relationships.
6. Holiness Grounds Us in Truth Amidst Misinformation
With the widespread access to media and technology, our rising generations have been exposed to undeniable amounts of misinformation. They are often exposed to multiple conflicting narratives and find themselves overwhelmed in discerning the truth. Unfortunately, this makes Gen Z & Gen Alpha more susceptible to mistrust. This is exactly why the message of clarity and truth in scriptural holiness resonates with today's young people. Scriptural holiness is a Biblical, unchanging truth that provides stability in a world riddled with misinformation.
7. Holiness Gives Purpose to a Restless Generation
Studies continue to show that Gen Z is the least religious generation to date, with a rapid decline in religious affiliations, in stark contrast to previous generations. Many individuals in this generation identify as spiritual but not religious, suggesting they are still searching for meaning—likely because they are missing a core part of how they were created. Holiness gives lasting purpose by aligning individuals with their God-given identity and mission, filling the spiritual void that leaves so many searching for meaning.
The Missing Piece
In a time where feelings of loneliness, self-centeredness, division, and despair are running rampant, the message of scriptural holiness remains a steadfast source of hope and renewal. Entire sanctification isn't just a doctrine or an unrealistic goal; it is a Biblical truth that can radically transform our lives. When we pursue holiness, we allow God's love to flow through us in a way that is unlike any other.
Now more than ever, people—especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha—are desperate for authenticity, truth, and community. What's interesting is that often they are searching for the hope that scriptural holiness offers, and they don’t even realize that is the answer they are looking for. Yet, this important truth meets them where they are, addresses the challenges they face, and points them to a life of fullness in Christ. The call to holiness isn't just for some, but for all who long for something more than what the world can give.
Scriptural holiness isn't just a temporary solution; it is the very thing our world is missing, and it's the only path to the fullness of life we've been searching for.
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)
References
Ballard Brief, Isolation Among Generation Z in the United States
Kinlaw, D., Let's Start with Jesus: A New Way of Doing Theology
Psychology Today, 3 Things Making Gen Z the Loneliest Generation
Roots of Loneliness Project, Loneliness Statistics by Demographics
Sidenbender, C., 'Wesley Is Fire Now' and Evangelicals Are Being Strangely Warmed, Christianity Today
