Holiness is the blank of the Old Testament.

• A. Central idea
• B. Symbol
• C. Key theme
• D. Primary focus

Answer: (A)

Holiness is the central idea that runs through the Old Testament. The scriptures present God as holy and repeatedly call His people to live holy lives, set apart from what defiles, and devoted to Him. The laws, sacrifices, priesthood, and ceremonial practices all exist to shape a people who reflect that holiness in daily living and worship. The tabernacle and its rituals show what it means to approach a holy God in a holy way, tying moral purity to covenant faithfulness. Because this thread of holiness ties together intent and practice across the whole narrative, it stands as the overarching message of the Old Testament. Seeing holiness as a symbol misses that it’s not just an emblem, and while it is related to themes or focuses, central idea best communicates its broad, unifying role throughout the covenant story.