Holiness of God

The holiness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. The Hebrew word for holy, "qadosh," signifies something that is set apart and sacred. God's holiness is intrinsic to His nature and is foundational to His interactions with humanity.

In the Old Testament, God's holiness is vividly portrayed in His encounters with individuals and the nation of Israel. 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 emphasizes the supreme holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation. The holiness of God demands reverence and awe, as seen in the reaction of Isaiah, who, upon witnessing God's holiness, exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5).

The holiness of God is also evident in the laws and commandments given to Israel. Leviticus 19:2 instructs, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" God's holiness serves as the standard for His people, calling them to live lives that reflect His character.

In the New Testament, the holiness of God is embodied in Jesus Christ, who is described as "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26). Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are called to holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a manner worthy of their calling (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Reputation of God

God's reputation, or His name, is of utmost importance in Scripture, representing His character, authority, and the honor due to Him. The Bible frequently emphasizes the significance of God's name and the responsibility of His people to uphold it.

In the Old Testament, God's reputation is closely linked to His covenant relationship with Israel. In Exodus 34:14, God declares, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." The reputation of God is tied to His exclusivity and the worship He alone deserves. The Israelites are repeatedly reminded to honor God's name through obedience and faithfulness, as seen in the commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7).

The Psalms often reflect a deep concern for God's reputation among the nations. Psalm 115:1 states, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness." The psalmist seeks to exalt God's name, recognizing that His reputation is tied to His acts of love and faithfulness.

In the New Testament, the reputation of God is further revealed through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 declares, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The exaltation of Christ's name brings glory to God, affirming His reputation as the sovereign Lord.

Believers are called to live in a way that honors God's reputation. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The conduct of God's people is a reflection of His reputation, and their lives are to be a testament to His holiness and glory.