Project – Theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15. Implication for Satellite Campus of Christ apostolic church theological seminary, ile ife, Abeokuta campus, Ogun State Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Exodus 19:10-15 is a pivotal passage in the Old Testament that underscores the concept of holiness as it pertains to the relationship between God and the Israelites. In this passage, God instructs Moses to consecrate the people and have them wash their clothes in preparation for His descent onto Mount Sinai. The emphasis on purification and preparation highlights the sacredness of the encounter and the necessity for the people to be in a state of holiness. Scholars such as Walter Brueggemann (1994) have noted that this passage sets a precedent for the Israelites’ understanding of holiness as a state of being set apart for divine purposes.

The concept of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15 is further elaborated by the physical boundaries set around Mount Sinai. The people are warned not to approach the mountain or touch its base, under penalty of death. This demarcation of sacred space serves as a tangible representation of the separation between the divine and the profane. John I. Durham (1987) argues that this separation is not merely physical but also spiritual, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to recognize and respect the holiness of God. The boundaries serve as a constant reminder of the reverence and awe due to God, reinforcing the idea that holiness involves both physical and spiritual purity.

The implications of this passage for contemporary theological education, particularly for a Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, are profound. The emphasis on preparation and consecration can be translated into the academic and spiritual formation of students. As noted by Richard S. Hess (1996), the process of theological education should involve not only intellectual growth but also spiritual maturation. The principles of holiness outlined in Exodus 19:10-15 can serve as a framework for developing a curriculum that integrates rigorous academic study with spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and communal worship.

Furthermore, the concept of setting boundaries around sacred activities can be applied to the governance and administration of the seminary. Just as the Israelites were given clear instructions on how to approach Mount Sinai, students and faculty can benefit from well-defined guidelines and expectations. This can include codes of conduct, academic integrity policies, and spiritual accountability measures. By establishing a culture of holiness, the seminary can create an environment conducive to both academic excellence and spiritual growth.

The role of community in the pursuit of holiness is another important aspect highlighted in Exodus 19:10-15. The entire Israelite community was called to consecrate themselves, indicating that holiness is not an individual endeavor but a collective responsibility. This communal aspect can be mirrored in the seminary setting through the promotion of collaborative learning, peer support groups, and communal worship experiences. As noted by Philip Graham Ryken (2005), the pursuit of holiness within a community context can lead to a more profound and lasting transformation.

The theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15 offers valuable insights for the development and operation of a Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary. By emphasizing the principles of preparation, consecration, boundary-setting, and community, the seminary can foster an environment that nurtures both the intellectual and spiritual growth of its students. The integration of these principles into the seminary’s curriculum and governance can help cultivate a generation of leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to living out the holiness of God in their personal and professional lives.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The concept of holiness as depicted in Exodus 19:10-15 is a foundational element in the theological framework of the Old Testament. This passage describes the preparation of the Israelites to meet God at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the need for consecration and purity. The problem arises in understanding how these ancient prescriptions for holiness can be interpreted and applied in contemporary theological education, particularly within the context of the Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary. The challenge is to bridge the historical and cultural gap between the ancient Israelites and modern-day seminary students, ensuring that the principles of holiness remain relevant and transformative.

One of the primary issues is the contextualization of holiness. In Exodus 19:10-15, holiness is portrayed through physical acts of washing garments and abstaining from certain activities. For the Satellite Campus, the problem is how to translate these physical acts into spiritual disciplines that resonate with today’s students. The seminary must explore ways to teach holiness that go beyond ritualistic practices, focusing instead on the internal transformation and ethical living that these rituals symbolized. This requires a deep theological investigation into the essence of holiness and its manifestations in a modern educational setting.

Another significant problem is the integration of holiness into the curriculum. Theological education often emphasizes academic rigor and intellectual development, sometimes at the expense of spiritual formation. The Satellite Campus must find a balance between these aspects, ensuring that students not only gain knowledge but also grow in their personal holiness. This involves developing courses and programs that incorporate spiritual disciplines, community life, and practical ministry experiences, all aimed at fostering a holistic understanding of holiness.

The problem also extends to the faculty and administration of the seminary. Educators and leaders must themselves embody the principles of holiness they seek to impart to their students. This requires ongoing professional and spiritual development, as well as a commitment to personal integrity and ethical behavior. The seminary must create an environment where holiness is not just taught but also modeled, providing students with tangible examples of what it means to live a holy life.

Furthermore, the seminary must address the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students. The Satellite Campus likely serves a varied student body, each with different understandings and experiences of holiness. The problem is to create a unified approach to teaching holiness that respects and incorporates this diversity. This involves developing inclusive pedagogical strategies and creating spaces for dialogue and reflection, allowing students to explore and articulate their own journeys toward holiness.

The problem includes the practical application of holiness in ministry. Students must be equipped to take the principles of holiness they learn in the seminary and apply them in their future ministries. This requires practical training and mentorship, helping students to navigate the challenges of living and ministering in a world that often opposes the values of holiness. The seminary must provide resources and support for students as they transition from academic study to practical ministry, ensuring that the theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15 has a lasting impact on their lives and ministries.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15. Implication for Satellite Campus of Christ apostolic church theological seminary, ile ife, Abeokuta campus, Ogun State Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To explore the concept of holiness as presented in Exodus 19:10-15.
2. To examine the implications of holiness for the Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church.
3. To analyze the theological significance of holiness in the context of Exodus 19:10-15.
4. To investigate how the concept of holiness can be applied to the educational and spiritual practices at the Satellite Campus.
5. Challenges that may arise from integrating the concept of holiness into the theological curriculum.
6. Opportunities that may arise from integrating the concept of holiness into the theological curriculum.

 1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the concept of holiness as presented in Exodus 19:10-15?
2. What are the implications of holiness for the Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church?
3. What is the theological significance of holiness in the context of Exodus 19:10-15?
4. How can the concept of holiness be applied to the educational and spiritual practices at the Satellite Campus?
5. What challenges may arise from integrating the concept of holiness into the theological curriculum?
6. What opportunities may arise from integrating the concept of holiness into the theological curriculum?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The research hypothesis is buttressed below

Ho:  Holiness has no significant impact on the Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church

H1:  Holiness has significant impact on the Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church

1.6. Significance of the Study

The theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15 holds profound significance for understanding the nature of divine-human interaction and the prerequisites for approaching God. In this passage, God instructs Moses to consecrate the people of Israel and have them wash their clothes in preparation for His descent onto Mount Sinai. This act of consecration and purification underscores the importance of holiness as a prerequisite for encountering the divine. For the Satellite Campus of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary in Ile Ife, Abeokuta Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria, this study can provide a foundational understanding of the biblical concept of holiness, which is essential for theological education and spiritual formation.

The passage in Exodus 19:10-15 emphasizes the need for physical and spiritual preparation to meet God. This preparation involves both external actions, such as washing clothes, and internal attitudes, such as reverence and obedience. For students and faculty at the Abeokuta campus, this underscores the importance of holistic preparation in their spiritual and academic pursuits. It serves as a reminder that theological education is not merely an intellectual exercise but also a spiritual journey that requires personal sanctification and dedication.

Furthermore, the concept of holiness in this passage highlights the separateness and otherness of God. God’s command to set boundaries around the mountain and His warning that anyone who touches it will be put to death illustrate the seriousness of approaching a holy God. This has significant implications for the seminary’s curriculum, encouraging a deeper exploration of the attributes of God and the appropriate human response to His holiness. It can inspire a curriculum that balances academic rigor with spiritual reverence, fostering a community that deeply respects the sacredness of God.

The study of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15 also has practical implications for the ministry training at the Abeokuta campus. Future pastors and church leaders can learn the importance of leading their congregations in understanding and practicing holiness. This involves teaching about the nature of God, the significance of consecration, and the practical steps believers can take to live holy lives. By integrating these principles into their ministry, graduates can help cultivate communities that honor God’s holiness in their worship and daily lives.

Additionally, this theological investigation can enhance the seminary’s mission of contextualizing biblical teachings within the Nigerian cultural context. Understanding the biblical concept of holiness can help address contemporary issues related to moral and ethical behavior in the church and society. It can provide a framework for discussing topics such as integrity, purity, and social justice from a biblical perspective, thereby equipping students to engage with their cultural context in a theologically informed manner.

The significance of this study extends to the personal spiritual growth of the seminary’s students and faculty. Reflecting on the holiness of God as depicted in Exodus 19:10-15 can lead to a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God. It can inspire a commitment to personal holiness and a desire to live in a way that honors God. This personal transformation is essential for those who will be leading others in their spiritual journeys, ensuring that they model the holiness they teach and preach about.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15. Implication for Satellite Campus of Christ apostolic church theological seminary, ile ife, Abeokuta campus, Ogun State Nigeria.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Investigation: An investigation is a systematic and detailed examination or inquiry into a subject in order to discover facts, establish truths, or develop new understandings. In the context of theological studies, it often involves the careful analysis of religious texts, doctrines, and practices.

Holiness: Holiness refers to the state of being holy, which is often associated with being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. In many religious traditions, holiness is attributed to God, certain people, places, or objects that are considered pure and worthy of reverence. It often involves moral and spiritual purity and a close relationship with the divine.

Exodus 19:10-15: This passage is from the Book of Exodus in the Bible, which describes the events leading up to the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. In these verses, God instructs Moses to consecrate the people of Israel and have them wash their clothes in preparation for God’s descent onto the mountain. The passage emphasizes the need for purification and reverence in approaching the divine presence.

Implication: An implication is a conclusion or effect that can be drawn from something, even if it is not explicitly stated. In academic and theological contexts, implications often refer to the potential consequences, applications, or significance of a study or finding.

Satellite Campus: A satellite campus is a branch of a larger educational institution that is located away from the main campus. It offers courses and programs that are part of the institution’s curriculum, providing access to education for students who may not be able to attend the main campus.

Christ Apostolic Church: The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) is a Pentecostal Christian denomination that originated in Nigeria. It is known for its emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and holiness. The CAC has a rich history and has played a significant role in the spread of Pentecostalism in Nigeria and beyond.

Theological Seminary: A theological seminary is an educational institution that specializes in training students for religious ministry, leadership, and scholarship. Seminaries offer programs in theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, and other related fields, preparing students for roles such as pastors, theologians, and religious educators.

Project – Theological investigation of holiness in Exodus 19:10-15. Implication for Satellite Campus of Christ apostolic church theological seminary, ile ife, Abeokuta campus, Ogun State Nigeria