Topical Encyclopedia
God's holiness is a central attribute of His divine nature, signifying His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. The concept of holiness is foundational to understanding God's character and His relationship with creation. In the Bible, God's holiness is often depicted as a consuming fire, emphasizing His purity and the reverence He commands.
The prophet Isaiah provides a vivid depiction of God's holiness in his vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with seraphim calling to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory" (
Isaiah 6:3). This threefold repetition underscores the superlative nature of God's holiness, setting Him apart from all creation.
God's holiness is also evident in His moral law, which reflects His perfect nature.
Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy’" . This call to holiness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, urging believers to emulate God's purity and righteousness in their lives.
The holiness of God is further highlighted in His interactions with humanity. In
Exodus 3:5, God instructs Moses to remove his sandals at the burning bush, declaring, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground" . This encounter illustrates the reverence and awe that God's holiness demands.
God's holiness also necessitates a separation from sin, as seen in
Habakkuk 1:13: "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing" . This separation underscores the need for atonement and purification, ultimately fulfilled through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to a holy God.
God's CommunicationGod's communication with humanity is a profound aspect of His relationship with His creation, revealing His will, character, and purposes. Throughout the Bible, God communicates in various ways, including through direct speech, visions, dreams, prophets, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, God often spoke directly to individuals, such as when He called Abraham to leave his homeland (
Genesis 12:1) or when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (
Exodus 20:1-17). These direct communications were pivotal in guiding and shaping the course of Israel's history.
Prophets played a crucial role in conveying God's messages to His people. As God's spokesmen, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel delivered divine revelations, warnings, and promises.
Amos 3:7 states, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets" , highlighting the importance of prophetic communication in God's dealings with humanity.
In the New Testament, God's communication reaches its zenith in the person of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son" . Jesus, as the Word made flesh (
John 1:14), embodies the ultimate revelation of God's nature and will.
The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in God's communication, guiding believers into all truth (
John 16:13) and illuminating the Scriptures. The Spirit's indwelling presence enables Christians to discern God's voice and apply His Word to their lives.
Scripture itself is a primary means of God's communication, described as "God-breathed" and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (
2 Timothy 3:16). Through the Bible, God continues to speak to His people, providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction for living a life that honors Him.