What can we learn about God's holiness from Ezekiel 6:4? “Your altars will be demolished, your incense altars will be smashed, and I will cast down your slain before your idols.” What God’s Holiness Reveals in This Verse • God’s holiness is uncompromising: anything defiled by idolatry is utterly torn down. • Holiness exposes sin: the false altars and idols stand in stark contrast to His pure nature. • Holiness brings judgment: the slain before their idols show that God’s justice flows from His holy character. Holiness Reflected in Judgment • Leviticus 10:3—“I will be sanctified by those who draw near Me.” When holiness is violated, judgment follows. • Isaiah 6:3–5—Isaiah’s vision underscores that awareness of God’s holiness immediately reveals human guilt. • Revelation 15:4—Even in the future, nations fear because His “righteous acts have been revealed.” Holiness Demands Exclusive Worship • Exodus 20:3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” • 1 Samuel 2:2—“There is no one holy like the LORD.” • Matthew 4:10—Jesus echoes Deuteronomy, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Holiness Confronts Idolatry • Idolatry is not just a wrong choice; it is a direct offense against a holy God. • God does not coexist with impurity; He removes it (Ezekiel 36:25–27). • The physical destruction of altars pictures the spiritual cleansing He requires. Holiness Invites Reverent Living • 1 Peter 1:15–16—“Be holy in all you do.” • Hebrews 12:28–29—“Serve God acceptably with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” • Daily life choices—thoughts, entertainment, priorities—must align with His separateness. Takeaways for Today • Evaluate personal “altars” (possessions, habits, relationships) that might rival God. • Treat sin seriously; the same holy God still hates idolatry in every form. • Pursue wholehearted worship, confident that His holiness also purifies and restores (1 John 1:9). |
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