Understanding God's Holiness: A Journey into Divine Character

As we enter 2025, marking a quarter of the century's completion, it's time to explore one of God's fundamental attributes - His holiness. While we often hear about God's love, understanding His holiness is equally crucial for our spiritual growth.

What Does It Mean That God is Holy?

God's holiness represents His complete separation from all that is common or impure. This characteristic appears prominently in both Old and New Testament throne room visions. In Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, we see supernatural beings continuously declaring "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty."

How Does God's Holiness Relate to His Love?

Like a Tootsie Pop with its hard candy shell and chocolate center, God's holiness and love are inseparable yet distinct attributes. John Wesley referred to this as "holy love," recognizing that these characteristics work together in perfect harmony. God's holiness doesn't diminish His love, and His love doesn't compromise His holiness.

What Happens When We Encounter God's Holiness?

When Isaiah encountered God's holiness, his immediate response was recognition of his own unworthiness: "Woe is me, for I am undone!" This divine encounter reveals three important truths:

 

  • God's holiness exposes our impurity
  • We cannot make ourselves holy
  • God provides the means for our purification

 

How Does God Make Us Holy?

Rather than demanding we clean ourselves up, God provides the means for our purification. In Isaiah's case, God used a burning coal to cleanse his lips. Today, the Holy Spirit serves as our purifying agent, transforming us from the inside out through a process called sanctification.

The Role of Personal Choice

While God provides the means for holiness, we must choose to accept His purifying work. Of the approximately 35,000 decisions we make daily, 10-20% involve moral reasoning. These choices reflect our values and require ethical standards to guide us.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions:

 

  • Are there areas in your life where you've been resistant to God's purifying work?
  • How do your daily choices reflect God's holy character?
  • What specific steps can you take to allow God's holiness to transform your life?

 

Challenge: Take time each day this week to invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas that need purification. Rather than trying to clean yourself up, surrender these areas to God and allow Him to do the transforming work.

Remember: God never calls us to clean up our own act - He invites us to let Him do the cleaning. Our role is to remain open and responsive to His purifying work in our lives.