THE IMPORTANCE OF HOLINESS

ISAIAH 6:1–4

And they were calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory”

(Isaiah 6:3).

Hebrews 10:31 says that “it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Today we take a break from our study of Hebrews to consider the holiness of God.

Uzziah reigned over Judah for 52 years. For most of those years he was a good and faithful servant of the High King Yahweh. But at the end of his life he fell into sin and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16–21). When he died, the people were in consternation, because 52 years of continuity had come to an end. The faithful in Judah were even more troubled, because it seemed as if the government were falling into apostasy.

In that year, the true High King of Judah revealed Himself to His prophet. Isaiah 6:1 calls Him “the Lord,” a translation of the Hebrew adonai, meaning “Master.” This name for God means “the supreme Sovereign One.”

This vision of the true High King of Judah reassured Isaiah and the faithful people of Judah on three points. First, it showed them that though human kings come and go, the True King continues on His throne generation after generation. Second, it showed them that even if the human government becomes apostate, the ultimate government remains faithful and remains in control. And third, this vision of the holiness of the High King communicated to the faithful that God was going to judge those who were taking the nation into apostasy.

Holiness is the only attribute of God that is celebrated with a threefold chant in the Bible. In one sense it can be seen as the central attribute of God, because it modifies every other attribute. God has a holy love and a holy wrath, but not a loving wrath or a wrathful love. Holiness means separateness and integrity. Here and in Revelation 4, the attribute of God that is celebrated in worship is God’s holiness. Holiness is a dimension of God that consumes His very essence.

The fact that the High King of Judah was the ultimate personification of holiness had important implications for the future of the nation, and for each individual. Tomorrow we shall consider those implications.

CORAM DEO

Ezekiel 46–48

WEEKEND

Zechariah 1–8

As we look at the nations today, it is frightening to see the direction in which those in power are moving. Isaiah’s vision is even more true today, for Jesus is at the Father’s right hand. You can bypass all earthly rule and make an appeal directly to Him through prayer. Pray for your nation and leaders today.

For further study: Ex. 15:11–18 • Lev. 19:1–2; 20:7, 26 • Rev. 4

WEEKEND