The Holiness of God

The holiness of God is an oft-repeated theme in Scripture. It is demonstrated in His choice of Israel as His people (Dt. 7:6), the sanctification of that people (Lev. 21:8); His jealousy for that people and His holiness that would not allow Him to overlook their sin (Josh. 24:19); His unique character (1 Sam. 2:2); His physical salvation of men (1 Chron. 16:35); His omniscience (Ps. 11:4); His authority over all mankind (Ps. 47:8); His fatherly care of the fatherless (Ps. 68:5); His pure nature (Ps. 99:5, 9); his glorification in all the earth (Is. 6:3); His inability to dwell with sin in any form (Is. 6:5); and a host of others passages and circumstances.

Yet as we try to understand the holiness of God, A. W. Tozer rightly noted that

We cannot grasp the true meaning of the divine holiness by thinking of someone or something very pure and then raising that concept to the highest degree we are capable of. God's holiness is not simply the best we know infinitely bettered. We know nothing like divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible and unattainable. The natural man is blind to it. He may fear God's power and admire His wisdom, but His holiness he cannot even imagine. [The Knowledge of the Holy]

One resource that has helped me immeasurably in growing in my minuscule understanding of God's holiness is R. C. Sproul's book, The Holiness of God. And just yesterday I listened to the message he preached at the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors this year on that topic and was again moved toward worship and convicted of my weak understanding and presumption upon His holiness. It is well worth your time to listen to this message.