Firm Foundation: Building Your Life on the Unshakable Truth of God's WordSample

Nature of God: God’s Holiness

Read: Isaiah 6:1-5; 1 Peter 1:13-16

SOAP: Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:16

“They called out to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! His majestic splendor fills the entire earth!” Isaiah 6:3

“for it is written, “You shall be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

Into the Text

Trying to grasp the fullness of God's holiness can seem overwhelming. In Isaiah 6:3, we see the vision of God's throne room. The repeated proclamation of "holy" three times underscores the completeness and supremacy of His holiness. There is nothing and no one close to the holiness of God.

Understanding God's holiness helps us respond in our reverence and worship. His holiness means He is entirely separate from sin and perfectly righteous in all His ways. Everything He does comes from His holy character. God reveals His holiness to us not to push us away but to draw us closer to Him.

But how should this truth impact us? In 1 Peter 1:16, we are reminded of God's call to reflect God's holiness in our lives. This means striving, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to live pure and righteous lives, separating ourselves from sin, and dedicating our lives to God.

We know that Jesus came to forgive us our sin and to make us new. Yet, even as Christians, we are not yet perfect, so the Holy Spirit purifies us as He continues to work in us. The Holy Spirit uses hardships, difficulties, and painful correction to refine our character, removing sin, and making us more like Jesus Christ. This process, known as sanctification, is essential for our spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with God.

God's holiness is significant because it defines who He is and sets the standard for how believers should live. Moreover, God's holiness is our comfort in the face of this fallen world. By understanding and embracing God's holiness, we can grow in our faith and become more like Christ, living lives that glorify and honor Him.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for your perfect holiness. Help me to understand and embrace this truth. Guide me to live a life that reflects your purity and righteousness. Refine my heart and draw me closer to you. May my life glorify and honor you in all I do. In your name, Amen.