Authority of God

The authority of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, underscoring His supreme power and sovereignty over all creation. God's authority is evident from the very first verse of the Bible: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This act of creation establishes God as the ultimate authority, as He is the originator of all that exists.

God's authority is further demonstrated in His governance over the nations and rulers of the earth. In Daniel 2:21, it is written, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." This passage highlights God's control over human history and political powers, affirming that no authority exists apart from His will.

The New Testament continues to affirm God's authority, particularly through the person of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement emphasizes the divine authority vested in Christ, who acts as the mediator of God's will and the executor of His redemptive plan.

God's authority is also evident in His Word. The Scriptures are described as "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), carrying the weight of divine authority. Believers are called to submit to this authority, as it is the ultimate guide for faith and practice.

Holiness of God

The holiness of God is a defining attribute that sets Him apart from all creation. Holiness, in the biblical sense, refers to God's absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the superlative nature of God's holiness.

God's holiness is foundational to His character and actions. It is because of His holiness that God cannot tolerate sin. Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." This purity demands that sin be judged and dealt with, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

The holiness of God is also reflected in His call for His people to be holy. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives that reflect God's holy nature (1 Peter 1:15-16).

God's holiness is ultimately revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Christ embodies the holiness of God and provides a way for believers to be reconciled to a holy God. As Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

In summary, God's authority and holiness are integral to understanding His nature and His relationship with creation. These attributes demand reverence, obedience, and worship from all who acknowledge Him as Lord.