The Holiness of God

[George]

Which one of God’s attributes is the most important? This question is
impossible to answer since all of God’s attributes work together at
the same time. If any were to be diminished in any way, then God’s
very divine nature is compromised. However, if someone were to think
of one attribute that is very special to a believer, then I would
think of God’s Holiness.

The bible tells us that we are “saved by Grace through Faith.” –
Ephesians 2:8. People throw around the word “Grace” without really
understanding the true meaning, especially when it comes to God’s
grace. Modern culture speaks of cheap grace, grace that justifies the
sin, but leaves the sinner unchanged. True divine grace justifies the
sinner, not the sin. True grace frees the sinner from sin, in order
that he may serve righteousness (Romans chapter 6).

So what does grace have to do with God’s Holiness? Well God’s grace is
best understood when considering the Holiness of God. Holiness that is
perfectly pure and unblemished in any way. Holiness that is so intense
that Angels have to shield their eye to behold, Isaiah the prophet saw
a glimpse of the scene in heaven and he thought he would die because
he realized his own unrighteousness in the presence of a Holy God
(Isaiah 6:5).

The term grace is typically applied to nobility stooping down to
extend favor to an undeserving peasant. The great has to condescend by
lowering himself in order to show favor. The degree of condescension
depends on the difference between the peasant and the nobleman. But
from God’s perspective, this difference is infinite. God’s Holiness is
infinitely higher that all of our best efforts toward goodness. Indeed
the scripture states “…all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..”
Isaiah 64:6. Our best efforts are still filthy because we are corrupt
and sinful.

How is it possible for a perfect and Holy God to have fellowship with
sinful and corrupt humanity? God’s Holy Son Jesus condescended to take
on human flesh, walk this earth, live the perfect life in order to
satisfy the righteous demands of God’s law, allow sinful man to
crucify Him, and rise up from the dead. By faith we are justified
(Romans 5:1) and our sins are taken away at the same time the
righteousness of Jesus is imputed to us.

It is God’s Holiness that gives us a little bit of understanding of
how much Jesus condescended to free us from sin. In light of His
perfection and the out total depravity that we even begin to consider
how amazing is the grace that saves God’s people.

[Jill]

Infinitely Amazing!