What can we learn about God's holiness from Deuteronomy 5:5? Setting the Scene “ ‘At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.’ ” (Deuteronomy 5:5) A Blazing Display of Holiness • God’s presence was marked by “fire” on the mountain (Exodus 19:18). • The people’s instinctive reaction was fear—they “did not go up.” • Holiness is not casual; it is awesome, weighty, even frightening when perceived rightly (Isaiah 6:1-5). Holiness Requires a Mediator • Moses “stood between the LORD and you.” • Sinful humanity cannot approach unfiltered holiness. • This anticipates the greater Mediator, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • Hebrews 12:24 contrasts the trembling at Sinai with the sprinkled blood of Jesus that now grants confident access (Hebrews 4:16). Holiness Establishes Boundaries • The mountain was set apart; Israel could only come so close (Exodus 19:12-13). • God’s moral boundaries flow from His character; the Ten Commandments immediately follow (Deuteronomy 5:6-21). • His holiness is both protective and purifying, calling His people to live distinct lives (1 Peter 1:15-16). Holiness Communicates Through His Word • Moses was commissioned “to declare to you the word of the LORD.” • Revelation is an act of grace—God makes Himself known so that His people can respond rightly. • Obedience to that word becomes the appropriate expression of reverence (Deuteronomy 5:29). Living in Light of His Holiness • Cultivate reverent awe; holiness is never to be treated lightly. • Embrace the provided Mediator—trusting Christ secures safe access to the Holy One. • Submit to the boundaries and commands that flow from His character; they lead to life and blessing (Deuteronomy 5:33). • Let daily conduct mirror His purity, showing the world what holiness looks like in human life (Philippians 2:15). |
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