What does "I have sworn by My holiness" reveal about God's character? Where the Phrase Appears • Psalm 89:35 – “Once for all I have sworn by My holiness— I will not lie to David.” • Amos 4:2 – “The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness…” Why God Swears at All • Hebrews 6:13 – With no one greater to swear by, God swears by Himself. • Hebrews 6:17-18 – He does this to show “the unchangeable nature of His purpose” so that we might have “strong encouragement.” Holiness in Scripture • Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts.” • 1 Samuel 2:2 – “There is none holy like the LORD.” • God’s holiness is His absolute moral purity, total separation from sin, and perfect commitment to His own glory. What “I Have Sworn by My Holiness” Reveals about God • He is utterly truthful – Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that He should lie.” • He is unchangeably consistent – Malachi 3:6 – “For I, the LORD, do not change.” • His character guarantees His promises – Psalm 89:34 – “I will not violate My covenant.” • His holiness is the highest possible standard – Nothing is greater; therefore His oath is absolutely secure. • Judgment and mercy both flow from the same holy nature – Psalm 89:30-33 shows discipline for sin, yet unwavering covenant love. • Covenant faithfulness is rooted in holiness – 2 Samuel 7:12-16 links the Davidic covenant to the Messiah; God’s holy oath secures it. The Weight of an Oath by Holiness • Unbreakable commitment • Cosmic accountability—He binds Himself before creation • Assurance for believers that every promise in Christ will stand (2 Corinthians 1:20) • Warning to rebels—holiness guarantees just judgment (Amos 4:2) Practical Take-Aways • Confidence: God’s promises rest on His holy nature, not on our performance. • Reverence: Approach Him with awe; His holiness is not casual. • Stability: When circumstances shift, His sworn word remains fixed (Psalm 119:89). • Urgency: Because His holiness ensures judgment, now is the time to walk in repentance and faith (Acts 17:30-31). |
    |