The Holiness of God

In Jewish literature when a writer wanted to emphasize a particular point he would use repetition. This is done using repetitive ideas such as in Proverbs 4:14 which states, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.” Other times they would repeat simple key words such as in John 5:25 when Jesus says, “Truly, truly I say to you…” In this passage Jesus was trying to emphasize the great depth of truth that his forthcoming words were going to hold and thus, was calling his hearers to pay close attention.


In like manner, we read in Revelation 4:8 of heavenly beings singing to the Lord and in their song they ascribe to Him the incredible attribute of being “Holy, Holy, Holy.” They call God “Holy” not just once. Not even twice. But three times. God is “Holy, Holy, Holy.” He is holy to the utmost. No other attribute of God is mentioned in the scriptures in such a superlative, emphasized way.

Holiness, therefore, is one of (if not the) primary defining attribute(s) of God. He is perfect in all his ways. He is without stain, without reproach. He is the saw that never dulls. He is the computer which never crashes. He is the seed that always blooms. He is the car which always starts (and never dirties, or needs an oil change, or blows a tire).

Having such a Holy God should absolutely floor us. It should move us to reverence and awe. Just as when Moses stood in God’s presence at the burning bush, he hid his face and removed his sandals because of the presence of God’s holiness, we too should “tremble before him” (Ps. 96:9). With this understanding of God’s holiness at the forefront of our minds, we should never doubt his majesty, his authority, and his supremacy all which flow from His absolute holiness.

So too, standing in the light of His holiness should lay bear our souls allowing us to gaze upon our own inadequacy. Ever feel like you’ve got it all figured out? Ever feel like you can do no wrong? Step for just a moment into the realm of God’s holiness and by comparison you will see just how much you need Him. Just as Isaiah, upon seeing God, exclaims in Isaiah 6:5 “Woe is me! I am lost…” so too we can see our lack through God’s eyes.
 
Most importantly, however, when we stand before the throne of that Most Holy God we come to know his love for us. For he says, “I see your sin. How can I not?” (Heb. 4:12). And then upon our request and obedience, He steps down from his throne, opens the door to our heart, enters in and shuts the door behind him, throwing away the key. Then, at that very moment, His holiness shines through every window of our being, completely overcoming every blemish with the blinding light of a Most Holy God (Heb. 8:10-12).