This is a continuation of a series on the attributes of God.
When we speak of God’s attributes, we are talking about those characteristics that help us to understand who He truly is. One of these attributes is “holy.” In other words, God is the holy one—the one who is completely “other.”
Where it is in the Bible
“Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.’ Moreover He said, ‘I am the God of your father-the God of Abraham the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.
(Exodus 3:5-6)
“No one is holy like the Lord.”
(1 Samuel 2:2)
“The Lord is great in Zion, and He is high above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awesome name-He is holy.”
(Psalm 99:2-3)
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”
(Isaiah 6:3)
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
(Revelation 4:8)
What it means
Holiness is synonymous with God’s total purity and separation from the rest of creation. Holiness is a moral purity, and different from Adam’s holiness, God’s is eternally incorruptible. This holiness so sets God apart from fallen man that in his natural state, no man may approach the incorruptible God (for man is tarnished, dirty, and corrupt, and true holiness cannot bear such) — this is evidenced by the special commands to those who would approach God (cf. Exodus 3:4-6, Isaiah 6:1-6).
Why it matters
As a pure and holy being, God cannot tolerate impurity (1 John 1:5); He must consume it. And He must do so because He is good.
And that is one of the primary reasons why the advent of Christ is so incredible: it allows men who were once unable to come before God the ability to kneel before the throne of God and worship forever and ever (Revelation 4:9-11, 5:14). Just like the holy fire of God did not consume the bush in Exodus 3, God does not consume those who are united with His Son by His grace.
