Holiness of God

The holiness of God is a central attribute that signifies His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. In the Bible, God's holiness is often depicted as His otherness and transcendence, setting Him apart from all creation. The prophet Isaiah vividly captures this in his vision: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the supreme holiness of God, underscoring His unique and unparalleled nature.

God's holiness is foundational to His character and is reflected in His actions and decrees. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands His people, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" . This call to holiness is not merely a moral directive but an invitation to reflect God's character in the lives of His people. The holiness of God demands reverence and awe, as seen in the response of Moses at the burning bush, where he is instructed to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5).

The holiness of God also necessitates judgment against sin. Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing" . God's holiness is incompatible with sin, and thus, He must address and judge it. This aspect of God's holiness is ultimately satisfied in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin, allowing believers to be reconciled to a holy God.

Order of God

God's order is evident throughout the Scriptures, reflecting His nature as a God of structure, purpose, and intentionality. From the creation narrative, where God brings order out of chaos, to the establishment of laws and covenants, divine order is a consistent theme. Genesis 1:1-2 describes the initial state of the earth as "formless and void," but through God's creative word, order is established, culminating in a harmonious and good creation.

The order of God is further demonstrated in the laws given to Israel. The Mosaic Law provided a framework for worship, social justice, and personal conduct, reflecting God's orderly nature. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 states, "These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess" . These laws were designed to maintain order and reflect God's righteousness among His people.

In the New Testament, the order of God is seen in the structure of the Church. Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of order in worship and church governance. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, he instructs, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner" . This reflects the belief that God is not a God of confusion but of peace and order.

God's order is also evident in the natural world, where the regularity of seasons, the precision of celestial bodies, and the complexity of life all testify to a Creator who values order and design. Romans 1:20 affirms this, stating, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship" .

In summary, God's holiness and order are integral to His nature and are reflected in His creation, His laws, and His redemptive plan. These attributes call believers to live lives that honor God's holiness and reflect His order in all aspects of life.