Growing in HopeSample

God is Holy

The holiness of God is something we cannot understand. There is nothing that compares to God, so it is difficult to describe God’s holiness. However, in the book of Isaiah we read of God giving the prophet Isaiah a glimpse of His holiness. This vision of God gives us a picture to help us know a little of God’s holiness. 

When we read Isaiah 6:1-5 about Isaiah’s vision of God, we see:

God is on His throne in Heaven. He is above everyone and everything. He is infinitely greater. He is perfect. He is God and there is none like Him. Isaiah saw God’s robe filling the heavenly temple. This could be symbolism that there is no room for anyone or anything but God in the temple. No one other than God is holy enough to be in His presence or in the temple. 

Isaiah also saw seraphim which is another word for angels. God is so holy the angels could not even look at God. That is why they covered their eyes. In the Bible, we also read about Moses’ encounter with God (Exodus 33:18-20). Moses wanted to see God, but God told him, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” God is so holy a glimpse of His face is deadly! That is holiness! 

In verse 5, we read Isaiah saying, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!” Isaiah was in the presence of God. God’s holiness quickly revealed Isaiah’s lack of holiness. God is so holy that Isaiah did not even have to look directly at God to realize his un-holiness.  A mere vision of God made him realize God was holy and he was not. Because you and I are human, we will have the same realizations that Isaiah did as we encounter God’s holy presence.

Even though we cannot see God, we can get a glimpse of his holiness when we look at creation. Next time you watch the sunrise or sunset, think about God’s holiness. The sun is powerful. It is hot. It is big. It’s amazing! However, it is only a star—a simple creation. Just think of how much greater and stronger God is. Words can’t fully describe Him, but this we know: He is holy.

How does it make you feel knowing that this Holy God wants to have a relationship with you?

Does this change the way you want to live your life? 

In Hebrews 12:28, the Bible tells that we are to “offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”

Prayer:
God, I know that You are holy. Please help me to understand what that means. Help me to live a life that brings You honor. I know that because of my sin, I do not deserve to be in Your holy presence, so I thank you for Jesus! Thank you for taking away my sin so that I can have a relationship with You. Amen.