Holiness of God

The holiness of God is a central attribute that signifies His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. The Hebrew word for holy, "qadosh," conveys the idea of being set apart or distinct. God's holiness is foundational to His nature and is emphasized throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This threefold repetition underscores the supreme holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation.

God's holiness is not merely an abstract quality but is actively demonstrated in His actions and commands. Leviticus 11:44 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." Here, God's holiness serves as the basis for His people's call to holiness, reflecting His moral standards and purity.

The holiness of God also manifests in His judgment against sin. Habakkuk 1:13 declares, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." God's holiness demands justice and righteousness, leading to His intolerance of sin and impurity. This aspect of His holiness is evident in His dealings with Israel and the nations, where He consistently calls for repentance and righteousness.

Glory of God

The glory of God refers to the visible manifestation of His divine presence and attributes. The Hebrew word "kabod" and the Greek "doxa" both convey the idea of weightiness, honor, and splendor. God's glory is the outward expression of His intrinsic worth and majesty. In Exodus 33:18-19, Moses requests to see God's glory, and the LORD responds, "I will cause all My goodness to pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, the LORD, in your presence."

God's glory is often associated with His presence among His people. In the Old Testament, the glory of God filled the tabernacle and the temple, signifying His dwelling with Israel. Exodus 40:34-35 records, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

In the New Testament, the glory of God is supremely revealed in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus embodies the fullness of God's glory, revealing His character and redemptive purposes.

The glory of God is also the ultimate aim of creation and redemption. Romans 11:36 proclaims, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." Believers are called to reflect God's glory in their lives, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 exhorts, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."

In summary, God's holiness and glory are intertwined attributes that reveal His unique nature and majestic presence. His holiness demands moral purity and justice, while His glory manifests His divine splendor and worth, calling all creation to worship and honor Him.