God’s holiness is one of His defining attributes. The word “holy” appears over 600 times in the Bible. Understanding what God means when He describes Himself and His people as “holy” is foundational to properly relating to God. In this article, we will explore the meaning, significance, and implications of God’s holiness.
The Meaning of God’s Holiness
The main Hebrew and Greek words translated as “holy” in the Bible literally mean to be “set apart” or “separate.” When Scripture calls God “holy,” it means He is utterly unique, transcendent, and set apart from all creation in His perfect moral purity. God’s holiness speaks of His majestic greatness and perfection.
God’s Holiness in Scripture
Throughout Scripture, God’s holiness is emphasized:
| Exodus 15:11 | “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” |
| Isaiah 6:3 | “And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”” |
| Revelation 4:8 | “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”” |
These and other verses portray God’s holiness as His supreme perfection, majesty, and moral purity.
Aspects of God’s Holiness
God’s holiness encompasses various attributes of His character:
God’s Righteousness
Righteousness speaks of moral uprightness and virtue. God is perfectly good and does what is right (Psalm 119:137). His holiness establishes the standard for righteousness.
God’s Justice
God’s justice means He always acts rightly, including punishing wrong and vindicating the oppressed (Isaiah 30:18). His justice flows naturally from His holiness.
God’s Wrath Against Sin
God’s wrath is His righteous anger directed at sin and evil (Romans 1:18). Since God is holy, He intensely hates all sin.
God’s Otherness
As holy, God is wholly other, distinct from His creation. His thoughts and ways transcend human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).
The Significance of God’s Holiness
Recognizing the holiness of God is vital for worshiping Him properly and relating to Him rightly.
Holiness Deserves Worship
God seeks those who will worship Him in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 29:2). We worship God for the transcendent moral perfection of His being.
Holiness Demands Obedience
God’s people must pursue moral purity because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Disobeying God is sacrilege against His holy nature.
Holiness Requires Atonement for Sin
God’s wrath against sin arises from His holiness. His justice demands consequences for transgressing His moral law. The atonement of Christ appeases God’s wrath (Romans 3:25).
Holiness Inspires Awe and Fear
God’s unfathomable holiness promoted profound reverence and godly fear in those who encountered Him (Isaiah 6:5). Recognition of His supreme majesty humbles us.
How God’s People Become Holy
The Bible also describes believers as holy. But this derives entirely from God’s gift:
Made Holy through Christ
God sees believers as holy “in Christ” when He grants righteousness through faith (Hebrews 10:10). Christ’s perfect holiness covers them.
Called to Pursue Holiness
While fully holy in standing through Christ, God’s people are to increasingly live holy lives by the Spirit’s power (Romans 8:13; 2 Corinthians 7:1). We grow in practical holiness as we obey God.
| Means of Pursuing Holiness | Scriptural Examples |
| Prayer | Psalm 51:10 |
| God’s Word | Psalm 119:9 |
| Fellowship | Proverbs 13:20 |
| Discipline | Hebrews 12:10 |
Our ultimate hope is perfect holiness with God forever in glory (1 Thessalonians 3:13).
Conclusion
The holiness of God refers to His transcendent moral purity and perfection. Recognizing His unique holiness is vital for worshiping Him properly, relating to Him rightly, and pursuing holiness ourselves. God’s holiness provides the pattern and power for His people to live holy lives. While we can never match His perfect holiness, in Christ believers are declared positionally holy and called to pursue practical holiness by the Spirit’s enablement. God’s holiness evokes our reverence for His surpassing greatness.
