How does understanding God's holiness impact our relationship with Him? Encountering Holiness in Revelation 4:8 “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!’ ” What Scripture Means by “Holy” • Set apart, utterly unique, morally perfect • Radiant purity that cannot be diminished or compromised • The unchanging character of God—“who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8) Awe-Filled Worship Is the First Response • The nonstop praise of the living creatures models our own calling (Psalm 99:3) • Seeing God as infinitely different from creation stirs heartfelt adoration (Exodus 15:11) • Worship becomes less about songs we like and more about the God we love Holiness Exposes Sin and Draws Us to Repentance • Isaiah’s cry—“Woe to me, for I am ruined!”—after beholding the holy Lord (Isaiah 6:3–5) • God’s light reveals every hidden thing (1 John 1:5) • Awareness of sin is mercy; it prepares the heart for cleansing (Romans 3:23; Acts 2:37) Holiness Provides Cleansing through Christ • A burning coal touched Isaiah’s lips; the cross touches ours (Isaiah 6:6–7; 1 Peter 2:24) • “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19–22) • Confession meets faithfulness—“He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9) Holiness Shapes Daily Living • “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15–16) • Practical outworking: – Guarded minds—what we watch and read (Philippians 4:8) – Pure speech—truthful, gracious, uplifting (Ephesians 4:29) – Set-apart relationships—honor, fidelity, mutual submission (Ephesians 5:3, 22–25) Holiness Fuels Hope and Perseverance • God’s unblemished nature guarantees His promises (Numbers 23:19) • A holy throne knows no corruption; believers can endure suffering, trusting His justice (Revelation 6:10) • Anticipation of a holy eternity—“Nothing unclean will ever enter” the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27) Living in the Light of His Holiness • Draw near daily with reverent delight—He invites, yet remains awesome • Embrace continual transformation—holiness is both standing and journey (2 Corinthians 7:1) • Reflect His character—our distinctness points others to a holy God (Matthew 5:16) |
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