I found myself at a loss for words studing God's Holy attributes. May this worship video stir your hearts for today's study and usher you into His courts.
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The brilliant sunlit sky parted in a vision witnessed by Isaiah. As God pulled back the curtains of Heaven, the stage set a dramatic revelation that was utterly spectacular and completely beyond earthly description. Above Isaiah was the Lord, seated on a throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple with majesty. Seraphim flew by, covering their eyes, crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:1-6)
In humble posture, Isaiah could only tremble in reverent fear and confess, “Woe is me! I am ruined!”
I read the words over and over, desperately trying to invoke the mystery and awe of the moment when Isaiah’s eyes fell upon the Holy One. However, this sight is too glorious and inconceivable for my finite mind and limited senses to comprehend.
God’s holiness cannot be described within the confines of human language. Even the angels, who dwell with the high and lofty God, reverentially cover their eyes in His presence!
This is El Hakkadosh, Holy God.
The highest attribute ascribed to God is holiness. It is the only description of God that is tripled in scripture. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Revelation 4:8
Beyond what anyone can fathom, God’s holiness is simultaneously immaculate, compelling and fearful. It is essential to and inherently who He is.
To be holy is to be set apart, perfect and pure.
All of God’s attributes operate in concert with His perfect holiness.
His love is holy and perfect.
His righteousness is holy and perfect.
His redeeming grace is holy and perfect.
His Word is holy and perfect.
His wisdom is holy and perfect.
Read 1 Samuel 2:2 and Isaiah 40:25. How is God described?
God in all His pure majestic holiness is completely set apart from the rest of creation. To be holy is also to be separated from sin. When Isaiah was in the overwhelming presence of God, his immediate reaction was to plead guilty of sin and the sins of his people. (Isaiah 6:5) He was wrecked to the core.
The attractive beauty and mystery of Holy God, however, is found in response:
A seraph then flew to Isaiah, touching a coal from the altar of God to his lips, saying “Your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.” (Isaiah 6:6)
The altar of sacrifice was a picture of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:26 says Jesus “has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
Read Psalm 24:3-4. What does the Word say about entering into the Holy place of God?
Because of the absolute integrity and purity of God, He cannot look upon or be in the presence of sin. When Jesus was on the cross He cried out, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” For a moment, God’s back was turned to His Son because of the sin separating them.
I wonder if the angels of heaven were vigorously being held back by God, desperate to get to Jesus and save Him, ready to rescue at the command of the Lord of Hosts. It is a question that will remain unanswered this side of Heaven.
The plan ordained before the foundation of the world made a way for atonement and reconciliation of the sinner to Holy God. The sacrificial lamb gave His life on the altar of sacrifice. Through the covering of Jesus Christ we can enter into the Holy of Holies, a place reserved for clean hands and a pure heart.
My feeble attempt to explore God’s holiness will never compare to the reality of His nature.
My absolute response must be worship in spirit and truth. To understand the destruction of my sin and the source of my salvation. A response of complete reverence. A lifetime pursuit to imitate His Holiness as He continually sanctifies me through His Spirit. Peter exhorted in I Peter 1:15-16, “…be holy in all you do…”
In light of the awesomeness of God's holiness A.W. Tozer writes this prayer that resounds in my own heart:
Oh God, time is running, flying like a frightened bird. The bird of time is on the wing and has a little way to flutter. The wine of life is oozing drop by drop, and the leaves of life are falling one by one. Soon, before the Ineffable every man must appear to give an account for the deeds done in the body. Oh, Father, keep upon us a sense of holiness that we can’t sin and excuse it, but that repentance will be as deep as our lives. This we ask in Christ’s name. Amen.
Encountering God means revering Him for the Holy One that He is, falling before Him in humility and awe with a heart of gratitude and praise for the grace He has lavishly bestowed on us. Join the chorus of angels and sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy!"
RENOWN is a 4-week Bible study series. This week, we study God of Character. View an overview of weekly lessons, begin week 1 or subscribe now to receive via email or rss feeder.
