God's Holiness
God's holiness in the Bible refers to His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and separation from sin. The term "holy" (Hebrew: "qodesh"; Greek: "hagios") signifies something that is set apart, sacred, and deserving of reverence. In Isaiah 6:3, the angels proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" This triplicate declaration emphasizes the supreme and unparalleled nature of God's holiness, indicating that it is central to His identity. God's holiness is not merely a characteristic but the foundation of His actions and judgments, as demonstrated in passages such as Leviticus 11:44, where the Israelites are commanded to be holy because God is holy.Furthermore, God's holiness has profound implications for His relationship with humanity. It underscores the need for purification and atonement, as seen in the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament (Leviticus 17:11). The holiness of God also serves as a standard for moral living, calling believers to reflect His character in their lives (1 Peter 1:15-16). Ultimately, God's holiness is revealed through His love and justice, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ, who embodies both the holiness and love of God, making it possible for believers to be reconciled to Him (Hebrews 10:10).
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Holy, Holy, Holy
By Thomas Brooks0EXO 15:11ISA 6:31PE 1:151JN 1:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unparalleled holiness of God, describing it as infinitely, transcendently, and gloriously holy. He contrasts God's pure holiness with the mixed and imperfect holiness found in humans, highlighting the constant presence of unholiness in our lives. Brooks asserts that God's holiness permeates all His actions, attributes, and nature, making Him the ultimate source of holiness. He encourages believers to seek God's holiness as the standard for their own lives, reminding them that true holiness can only come from God. The sermon culminates in the call to recognize and aspire to the holiness of God as the ultimate example.
A Due Consideration of God Necessary
By John Owen0JOB 40:3JOB 42:4PSA 130:3PSA 143:2ISA 33:14ISA 43:25DAN 9:7MIC 6:6ROM 3:20ROM 8:33John Owen emphasizes the necessity of a proper understanding of God as the ultimate judge in relation to the doctrine of justification. He argues that recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and authority is crucial for understanding how one can be justified before Him. Owen illustrates that both sinners and saints, when confronted with God's majesty, are led to self-abasement and reliance on divine mercy rather than their own works. He warns against the dangers of self-conceit and the false security that comes from relying on personal righteousness. Ultimately, Owen calls for a humble approach to justification, rooted in the acknowledgment of God's grace and the sacrifice of Christ.
Have You Seen God's Holiness?
By Erlo Stegen1.6K1:07:17ISA 6:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and confession of sins. He questions whether the church today is truly like the temple of God. He shares a story about a preacher who was willing to discipline his own child for disobedience, showing his dedication to following God's commands. The preacher also discusses the importance of worshiping God with sincerity and purity, rather than just outwardly displaying strong emotions.
(1 John #4) Since God Is Light
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K29:42LEV 11:44MAT 5:14MAT 5:48JHN 1:51PE 1:161JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the message of Jesus Christ, which was taught by Him and received by the apostles. The preacher highlights that Jesus is not just the gentle and meek figure often portrayed, but also the Son of God and the source of the message of God's holiness. The preacher explains that fellowship with God can only be achieved through His holiness, and that growing spiritually involves relating our lives to His holiness. The sermon also touches on the concept of God's love, life, and His consuming fire, and raises questions about the necessity of repentance and being born again.
Gods Character Is Infinitely Holy
By A.W. Tozer0EXO 15:11PSA 18:30PRO 3:5ISA 6:3ROM 3:232CO 5:7HEB 11:6JAS 1:171PE 1:161JN 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God's character is infinitely holy and serves as the foundation of moral excellence in the universe. He argues that just as the excellence of steel is strength, the excellence of humanity lies in moral character, which is essential for trust and relationships. Tozer highlights that despite the confusion sin has caused, confidence in one another is crucial for societal cohesion, and ultimately, our relationship with God must be built on faith and trust in His supreme moral excellence. He asserts that God invites our unreserved confidence, and without faith, it is impossible to please Him.
Isaiah 33:14
By Chuck Smith0ISA 6:5MAT 3:11HEB 12:291PE 1:7REV 1:14Chuck Smith explores Isaiah 33:14, emphasizing the consuming and purifying nature of God as fire. He illustrates how the fierce Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem, yet God's deliverance was evident when the enemy was defeated overnight. The sermon highlights the fear that grips sinners and hypocrites in Zion when confronted with God's holiness and power. Smith challenges listeners to reflect on their relationship with God, recognizing that fleeing from His presence is impossible and that His fire can either purify or consume. Ultimately, he urges the congregation to consider what God's fire is doing in their lives.
Two Inseparable Truths
By Theodore Epp0JOB 42:1Theodore Epp emphasizes the inseparable truths of recognizing God's holiness and our own depravity, as illustrated in Job 42:1-6. Job's profound encounter with God led him to a deep understanding of his own vileness, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to a personal confession of his unworthiness. This intimate revelation is a work of the Spirit, prompting a genuine self-abhorrence that manifests in humility and grace towards others. Epp highlights that true humility is not just a profession but is reflected in our attitudes and responses to others, especially when faced with insult or injury. Ultimately, a vision of God's righteousness compels us to confront our own shortcomings and fosters a contrite heart before Him.
Evening Thoughts - June
By Octavius Winslow0NEH 9:33PSA 66:10ROM 8:33EPH 4:24HEB 10:12JAS 4:3Octavius Winslow emphasizes the significance of understanding God's holiness through the lens of our afflictions and trials. He explains that while God's chastisements may be painful, they serve a divine purpose in leading us to deeper sanctification and a more profound knowledge of God's character. Winslow encourages believers to view their struggles as opportunities for growth and transformation, ultimately leading to a closer relationship with God. He highlights the importance of prayer and the believer's reliance on Christ for strength and nourishment in their spiritual journey.
Four Things Which God Cannot Do
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 5:4ISA 59:2HAB 1:13ROM 3:232TI 2:13TIT 1:2HEB 6:18JAS 1:131JN 1:5REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immutable nature of God by outlining four things that God cannot do: He cannot lie, die, deny Himself, or look favorably upon iniquity. This sermon highlights God's infinite purity and righteousness, illustrating that His gaze upon sin is filled with hatred, anger, and vengeance. Brooks encourages believers to understand the seriousness of sin in the eyes of a holy God, reminding them of the importance of living a life that reflects God's purity.
Stop Confronting Us With the Holy One of Israel!
By Thomas Brooks0ISA 6:3ISA 30:11DAN 5:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dread that unholy people feel in the presence of God's holiness, as expressed in Isaiah 30:11. He notes that many prefer messages of mercy over the challenging truth of God's holiness, which can terrify the unrepentant sinner. However, for those who are holy, the revelation of God's holiness brings joy and satisfaction, as it aligns with their love for God. Brooks asserts that true love for God's holiness leads to a shared experience of His holiness in the believer's life.
On Holy Ground
By Andrew Bonar0PSA 24:3ISA 6:3JER 23:6MAT 5:8ROM 3:23EPH 1:4HEB 12:141PE 1:161JN 1:5REV 21:27Andrew Bonar emphasizes the transformative understanding of God's holiness in relation to salvation, illustrating that it is through God's holiness that we are granted access to heaven. He reflects on the shift from fearing holy ground to embracing it as a reflection of heavenly joy, recognizing that only a perfectly holy God could have sent His Son for our redemption. Bonar highlights that true happiness in eternity is found in the presence of God's holiness.
Emblems From the Mount
By A.B. Simpson0HEB 12:18A.B. Simpson emphasizes the contrast between the terrifying presence of God at Mount Sinai and the grace-filled access believers have to God through Jesus Christ at Mount Zion. He reflects on how the law reveals our unholiness and incapacity to meet God's standards, leading us to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and righteousness. Simpson illustrates that while God's holiness is consuming, it is through Christ's sacrifice that we can approach Him without fear, being covered by His blood and empowered by His Spirit. The sermon encourages believers to embrace God's holiness and grace, recognizing that true strength comes from Christ living within us.