Holiness

Holiness is a fundamental attribute of God, reflecting His purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. In the Scriptures, holiness is both an intrinsic quality of God and a standard to which His people are called. The prophet Isaiah captures the essence of God's holiness in his vision, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the absolute and unparalleled holiness of God.

The call to holiness is extended to God's people, as seen in Leviticus 19:2, where the LORD commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" Holiness, therefore, is not merely an abstract concept but a practical pursuit for believers, involving a life set apart for God's purposes and characterized by obedience to His commandments.

In the New Testament, the call to holiness is reiterated. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). This call to holiness is rooted in the transformative work of Christ, who sanctifies His people through His sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Beauty in God's Presence

The beauty of God's presence is a theme that permeates the Scriptures, reflecting the splendor and majesty of the divine. The psalmist expresses a deep longing for the beauty of the Lord, declaring, "One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple" (Psalm 27:4). This desire to behold God's beauty underscores the profound attraction and satisfaction found in His presence.

The beauty of God's holiness is also highlighted in the worship of His people. Psalm 96:9 invites worshipers to "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth" . Here, the beauty of holiness is linked to the reverence and awe that God's presence inspires, calling believers to worship Him with a sense of wonder and adoration.

In the New Testament, the beauty of God's presence is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Through Christ, believers have access to the beauty and holiness of God, experiencing His presence in a transformative and intimate way.

The ultimate fulfillment of beauty in God's presence is anticipated in the eschatological vision of the new creation, where God's people will dwell with Him eternally. Revelation 21:3-4 describes this glorious reality: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away'" . In this consummation, the beauty and holiness of God's presence will be fully realized and enjoyed by His redeemed people.