Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible, underscoring His unique and unparalleled nature. Holiness, in its essence, refers to being set apart, pure, and distinct from all creation. God's holiness is not merely an attribute among others; it is the very essence of His being, permeating all His attributes and actions.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms the holiness of God, emphasizing that there is none like Him. In Exodus 15:11, the song of Moses declares, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" . This rhetorical question highlights the incomparable nature of God's holiness, setting Him apart from all other beings or deities. Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:3 further illustrates this truth, where the seraphim call out to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" . The thrice-repeated "holy" emphasizes the superlative degree of God's holiness, indicating that He is wholly other and beyond human comprehension. God's Holiness in Relation to Humanity The holiness of God has profound implications for humanity. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands the Israelites, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy’" . This call to holiness reflects the expectation that God's people should strive to emulate His character, living lives set apart for His purposes. The prophet Habakkuk acknowledges the moral purity of God, stating, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing" (Habakkuk 1:13). This purity demands a response from humanity, as sin cannot coexist with God's holiness. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament underscore the necessity of atonement for sin to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. The Incomparable Nature of God's Holiness The incomparability of God's holiness is further highlighted in passages such as 1 Samuel 2:2, where Hannah prays, "There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God" . This declaration affirms that God's holiness is unmatched and that He alone is the foundation of all that is righteous and true. Revelation 15:4 echoes this sentiment in the eschatological vision of John: "Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed" . The ultimate recognition of God's holiness by all nations underscores its universal and eternal significance. Implications for Worship and Life The recognition of God's incomparable holiness should lead to reverence and awe in worship. Psalm 96:9 exhorts believers, "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth" . Worship, in light of God's holiness, is not merely a ritual but a profound acknowledgment of His majesty and purity. Furthermore, the holiness of God serves as a moral compass for believers, guiding them to live lives that reflect His character. As 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" . This call to holiness is a response to the divine nature of God, urging believers to pursue righteousness and sanctification. In summary, the holiness of God is a foundational truth that permeates Scripture, revealing His unique and unparalleled nature. It calls for a response of worship, reverence, and a commitment to live in accordance with His holy character. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 15:11Who is like to you, O LORD, among the gods? who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 2:2 Library Note C. The Holiness of God. Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God. Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?" God's Imitators "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. God Makes Known his Will through Creatures. "Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. " Resources Is being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Why did God speak to Moses out of the burning bush? | GotQuestions.org Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |