Which other scriptures emphasize God's holiness and how do they deepen our understanding? Psalm 77:13 — A Starting Point “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?” (Psalm 77:13) The psalmist links God’s actions (“Your way”) to His nature (“holy”), inviting us to trace this theme through the rest of Scripture. Holiness Declared in the Law and the Prophets - Exodus 15:11 — “Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?” • God’s holiness is unmatched; His mighty acts in the Exodus reveal it. - Leviticus 11:44; 19:2 (echoed in 1 Peter 1:15-16) — “Be holy, because I am holy.” • Holiness moves from description of God to expectation for His people. - 1 Samuel 2:2 — “There is no one holy like the LORD. There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God.” • Hannah’s praise ties holiness to God’s stability and uniqueness. - Isaiah 6:1-3 — Seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” • Triple affirmation underscores absolute purity; glory fills creation. - Habakkuk 1:13 — “Your eyes are too pure to behold evil.” • Holiness explains why God must judge sin. Holiness Celebrated in the Psalms - Psalm 99:3 — “Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy!” - Psalm 99:5 — “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy!” - Psalm 99:9 — “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.” • Repetition drives home that worship is the right response to holiness. - Psalm 96:9 — “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.” • Holiness is beautiful, not merely frightening. Holiness Manifested in Christ and the Church - Luke 1:35 — “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” • Jesus is intrinsically holy from conception. - Acts 3:14 — “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One.” • Christ’s sinlessness highlights human guilt. - Hebrews 7:26 — “Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled…” • Holiness qualifies Jesus to mediate for sinners. - 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” • Believers are summoned to reflect God’s character in daily life. - Hebrews 12:14 — “Make every effort… to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” • Personal holiness is essential, not optional. Holiness Echoed in Heaven’s Worship - Revelation 4:8 — “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!” • Eternity resounds with the same song Isaiah heard—unchanging holiness. - Revelation 15:4 — “Who will not fear You, O Lord… For You alone are holy.” • Future worship acknowledges holiness as the reason all nations bow. Drawing the Threads Together • Psalm 77:13 declares that every divine “way” is stamped with holiness; the rest of Scripture expands the picture. • The Law reveals holiness as God’s moral perfection and calls His people to mirror it. • The Prophets and Psalms celebrate holiness in judgment, mercy, and worship, showing it is both awe-inspiring and beautiful. • The New Testament climaxes with Jesus, the Holy One, whose life and sacrifice make it possible for believers to pursue holiness. • Heavenly scenes confirm that holiness will forever define God’s identity and our worship. |
    |