Holiness of God

The holiness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. The Hebrew word for holy, "qadosh," signifies being set apart, distinct, and sacred. God's holiness is foundational to His character and is vividly portrayed in both the Old and New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, God's holiness is revealed in His interactions with Israel. In Exodus 15:11, Moses exclaims, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" This rhetorical question underscores the uniqueness and unparalleled nature of God's holiness. The prophet Isaiah also encounters God's holiness in a profound vision, where the seraphim call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). This threefold repetition emphasizes the superlative degree of God's holiness.

The holiness of God demands a response of reverence and awe. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands the Israelites, "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 reflects God's desire for His people to mirror His character and live in a manner that is set apart from the surrounding nations.

Accessibility of God

Despite His transcendent holiness, God is also accessible to humanity. This accessibility is a testament to His grace and love, as He desires a relationship with His creation. The tension between God's holiness and His accessibility is resolved through His redemptive work throughout history.

In the Old Testament, God's accessibility is demonstrated through the covenant relationship with Israel. He dwells among His people in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, providing a means for them to approach Him through sacrifices and priestly mediation. In Deuteronomy 4:7, Moses declares, "For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him?"

The ultimate expression of God's accessibility is found in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ. In the incarnation, God becomes Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Jesus bridges the gap between God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God remains accessible to believers today. The Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers Christians to live holy lives, reflecting God's character in the world. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth."

In summary, God's holiness and accessibility are two intertwined aspects of His nature. While His holiness sets Him apart, His accessibility invites humanity into a relationship with Him, made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit.