8d • General discussion
The Holiness of God!
Opening Meditation:
As we approach the profound truth of God's holiness, let us pause to reflect on the weightiness of this divine attribute. The seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts," beckoning us to recognize not only God's majesty but also our own unworthiness in light of His perfection.
1. Definitive Truth:
God's holiness is the foundation of His character. It is the essence of His being, defining Him as supremely separate from all sin and imperfection. Unlike any other attribute, His holiness is proclaimed thrice in Isaiah 6:3, emphasizing its preeminence. This repetition serves as a threefold proclamation of the weightiest attribute of God, underscoring that holiness is not merely a part of God’s nature but His very essence—who He is!
2. Micro-Teaching:
In classical theism, God’s attributes are understood through the lens of divine simplicity, meaning they are not separate parts of God but rather unified expressions of His singular nature. Holiness, as an infinite quality, reflects God’s transcendence, moral purity, and perfection. When Isaiah encounters God’s holiness, he recognizes his sinfulness, stating, “Woe is me! For I am lost.” This reaction illustrates how God’s holiness acts as a mirror, revealing the depth of human depravity. Jonathan Edwards posited that this very attribute can lead sinners to despise God, for they see in Him the stark contrast to their sinfulness.
3. Theological Note:
The law of God, as a reflection of His holiness, serves to illuminate our moral failures. It is through this divine standard—the Ten Commandments, a summary of God’s moral law and holy character—that we recognize our sinfulness and our desperate need for Christ as Savior. Reformed Theology emphasizes that God’s holiness is the basis for His justice (Exodus 34:6-7), and it is only through Christ's atoning work that we can be reconciled to this holy God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). The principles of Christian metaphysics further affirm that God's character and essence are intertwined, leading us to understand that His attributes of love, mercy, and grace are rooted in His perfect holiness. So when God loves, it is a holy love; when God shows mercy and grace, it is a holy mercy and grace that necessarily leads to holiness.
4. Practical Application and Practice:
In light of God’s holiness, we are called to live lives of holiness ourselves, reflecting His character in our daily actions and affections. This means pursuing righteousness, confessing our sins, and seeking to align our imperfect characteristics and lives with God’s holy will. Regular self-examination against the standard of God’s holiness encourages spiritual growth and deeper fellowship and communion with Him.
5. Word of the Day: Holiness
Holiness is the only attribute of God that He ever swore by (Amos 4:2), highlighting the weightiness of His glory. It is this attribute that calls us to a holy reverence and awe, recognizing that God is set apart in His purity and perfection.
6. Reflection and Question:
How does encountering God’s holiness shape your understanding of your own sinfulness? Sin is missing the mark of God’s perfect standard. So when we do not love with a perfect love, a holy love, or show grace or compassion the way God does to His creation, we fall short and miss the mark of God’s holy perfection and moral standards found in the Ten Commandments. A summary of the Decalogue is the two greatest commandments: love the Lord your God with everything in you and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Have you loved God with your every thought, word, deed, and action today? Have you loved your neighbor as much as you love yourself? In what ways can you reflect God’s holiness in your interactions with others this week?
7. Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your holiness. May we grasp the infinite weight of this attribute and allow it to transform our hearts and minds. Help us to see our need for grace and lead us to reflect Your holiness in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
- Isaiah 6:1–8
- Matthew 5:3
- “Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever” (Psalm 89:35–36, ESV).
- The Decalogue (or Ten Commandments) is recorded in the Old Testament in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
- Jesus summarized these laws in the Two Greatest Commandments in Matthew 22:37-40, a moment also described in Matthew 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–34; Luke 10:25–28.
- The Decalogue is traditionally divided into two tables: the first four commandments govern our relationship with God, and the following six govern our relationships with other people. Jesus highlighted this exact dual focus in His two commandments.
- 1. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37) — which fulfills the first table of the law.
- 2. "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) — which fulfills the second table of the law.
Primary Sources for Further Reading:
- Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion (Book 1, Chapter 1). "The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected."
- Edwards, Jonathan. The Religious Affections.
- Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology.
- Charnock, Stephen. The Existence and Attributes of God.
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The Holiness of God!
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