“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
(Isaiah 6:3)
Isaiah recounts a vision of God Almighty in chapter 6 of his book that shook him to the core: “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim… and one cried unto another, and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.’”
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord,” Isaiah begins. And then he goes on to describe the scene for us. The Lord is seated on a throne positioned high in the temple, and the train of His robe fills the temple. He describes the seraphim, those mysterious six-winged angelic creatures who continually encircle the throne of God declaring His holiness. Isaiah was awe-stricken on seeing such a majestic vision of the Lord, causing him to confront the depths of his own wickedness in the face of God’s infinite holiness.
This experience made Isaiah realize beyond any shadow of doubt the absolute holiness of the true and living God. In addition to what he saw, hearing the seraphim repeat the word “holy, holy, holy” three times over served to burn the truth that “God is holy, God is holy, God is holy” into his soul. Like Isaiah, we should never lose sight of the complete and utter sanctity of God Almighty, for His holiness serves to permeate and enhance all of His attributes, turning His wisdom into sublime wisdom, His justice into perfect justice, His sovereignty into righteous authority, and His mercy into divine love.
Other than recognizing God for who He truly is, it is important to also consider how His holiness relates to believers as His children. We find that answer in texts such as Leviticus 19:2: “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel and say unto them, ye shall be holy: For I the Lord your God am holy.” This verse directly ties God’s holiness to the covenant relationship He has with His people. Just as God is holy, so must His people strive to be holy.
Remember, God didn’t choose us to be His own because we are already holy; He chose us so that we might become holy. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes His relationship with us as an impetus for our obedience (1 Pet. 1:15). Further, we do well to remember that God’s call to holiness is not just a command; it is also a gracious invitation of experience and honor.
God’s holiness sets the standard for us. He is the fountain, source, and pattern of all holiness (Isa. 63:15, Ezek. 20:12). He embodies holiness. And as His children, He expects us to represent and replicate His holiness to our world.
Considering all this evidence, we find that if we expect to relate to a holy God, we must aim to be holy ourselves. And in striving for holiness, we are not only fulfilling a divine command but answering a divine call to share in God’s nature. It’s not merely a covenantal requirement but a transformational experience that brings us closer to our Creator, shaping us more into the likeness of Him who is thrice declared as Holy.
Contemplations
- Separation: The word holy means “to separate.” I often ask myself, what does it mean to be “separate” in today’s world? It doesn’t mean isolating myself from others but rather being distinct in character, allowing God’s nature to be seen through my actions and thoughts.
- Covenant Relationship: The Scripture that says, “For I the Lord your God am holy” is a vivid reminder of my covenant relationship with God. I ponder on the gravity of being chosen by a holy God and how this calls me to live out my life in a holy manner.
- God’s Holiness as a Standard: Considering God as the pattern of all holiness challenges me. It makes me see my shortcomings but also offers a high standard that brings the best out of me. His holiness is not a burden but a blueprint for a fulfilling, purposeful life.
- Holiness in Attributes: I dwell on the concept that holiness enhances the beauty of all God’s attributes. It transforms my perception of God’s wisdom, justice, sovereignty, and mercy, leading me to understand His actions and commands as expressions of His perfect holiness. “Holy is our God, Holy is the Almighty, Holy is the Immortal. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, have mercy upon me!”[1]
Further References for Isa. 6:3:
Rev. 4:8; Exod. 15:11; Psa. 72:19; Num. 14:21
[1] Jeremy Taylor, Holy Living in Which Are Described the Means and Instruments of Obtaining Every Virute, and the Remedies against Every Vice, and Considerations Serving to the Resisting All Temptations, (London: Printed for Richard Royston, 1656), 60.
