What does "I will show My holiness" teach about God's character? Verse in Focus “‘I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘when I show My holiness through you before their eyes.’” (Ezekiel 36:23) Big Idea When God says, “I will show My holiness,” He is revealing essential truths about who He is and how He acts. Why God Makes This Promise • Israel’s rebellion had dragged God’s name through the mud (Ezekiel 36:16-21). • God’s own reputation is non-negotiable; He acts “for the sake of My holy name” (v. 22). • His goal: universal recognition—“Then the nations will know that I am the LORD.” What “Holiness” Means About God • Moral Perfection – Habakkuk 1:13: “Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil.” • Absolute Otherness – 1 Samuel 2:2: “There is no one holy like the LORD.” • Radiant Glory – Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8: angelic praise centers on His holiness. • Consuming Purity – Hebrews 12:29: “Our God is a consuming fire,” burning away all impurity. Character Traits Revealed • Zeal for His Own Glory – Isaiah 42:8: “I will not give My glory to another.” • Faithfulness to Covenant Promises – Ezekiel 36:24-28: He restores, cleanses, and gives a new heart. • Unbending Justice – Isaiah 5:16: “The Holy God will show Himself holy by righteousness.” • Sovereign Power – Ezekiel 38:23: “I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the sight of many nations.” • Transforming Grace – 1 Peter 1:15-16: Because He is holy, He makes His people holy. How God “Shows” Holiness • By Judging Sin – Leviticus 10:3: judgment on Nadab and Abihu proved His holiness. • By Saving a People – Ezekiel 36:25-27: cleansing water, new heart, indwelling Spirit. • By Displaying Miraculous Works – Exodus 15:11: His wonders at the Red Sea revealed His holiness. • Ultimately in Christ – John 17:19: Jesus sanctifies Himself so believers may be truly holy. Take-Home Reflections • God’s holiness is not abstract; He actively demonstrates it in history. • Every act of judgment or mercy upholds the same flawless character. • Because God is holy, we can trust Him to keep promises, punish evil, and refine His people. • Our highest calling is to “be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16)—mirroring His character so the world sees what He is like. |
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