How does Christianity understand holiness?

The answer

God who is holy desires that His children be holy, righteous, and virtuous. These cannot be practised by the believer under duress, but must be chosen with perfect freedom; else they lose their authenticity and value. God, who granted His rational creation in heaven and on earth freedom of will cannot consent to compel His creation to practice a virtuous life against their will.

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty