“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
(Revelation 4:8)
Holiness is one of the most noted attributes of the Triune God in Scripture for it is the very essence of His being. From His holiness proceeds purity and sanctity and light and truth. And in the sanctuary of the heavenlies where He dwells, continual praise for His holiness resounds, for He alone is worthy of endless adulation.
As members of the Godhead, the holiness of God the Son and God the Spirit equals that of the Father. This truth was evidenced in Christ’s earthly life which was marked by holiness from birth. As God’s spotless Lamb, free from sin or blemish, His life and conduct demonstrated holiness. Indeed, He fulfilled every requirement of the Law to the letter, for He is truly the “Holy One of God” (John 6:69).
Because God is the source of all holiness, and everything He does proceeds from who He is, Adam and Eve were created holy by God, i.e., without sin. This reality allowed them to have daily fellowship with Him in the Garden during the “cool of the day.” But that initial holiness was lost through their disobedience and, as a result, the whole of humanity since has been born into sin as “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3).
But through the divine will and boundless grace of this Holy God, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to those who, by faith, repent and believe in the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse from all sin. And from the moment one is born anew into the family of God, the Father’s injunction to His child is, “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). To that end, God employs the synergistic working of His Word and His indwelling Spirit as the means of the believer’s journey to sanctification and return to holiness. “We must resort to the fountain of holiness, for the grace of sanctification, that he may first sanctify us, that we may be made able to sanctify his name.”[1]
Holiness, as it flows from the divinity to humanity, is a testament to the grace and mercy of our God. It is a transformative power that elevates us from sinfulness to righteousness. In our sanctification, we are washed in the blood of Christ, anointed with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and sealed by the truth of God’s Word. Holiness is the gateway to communion with the Holy One of Israel, making us acceptable sacrifices unto God. May we, as recipients of Christ’s holiness, strive to live lives that reflect the holiness of our Creator and Savior.
Contemplations:
- Embracing God’s Divine Holiness. As I consider the holiness of God, I am reminded that He is the source and embodiment of sanctity. His light dispels all darkness, and His abode is in the realm of holiness, a place where sin cannot dwell. This divine purity, untainted by evil, becomes a sanctuary for my soul. Let me aspire to reflect His holiness in my life as I walk before Him.
- Christ’s Perfect Holiness. Christ’s divine nature is equal in holiness to the Father and the Holy Spirit. In His earthly sojourn, He exemplified holiness in every aspect of His life, without sin or blemish. His role as a high priest who is holy, blameless, and undefiled motivates me to pursue holiness in my own life. For how can I not be motivated to seek such a standard in my own life when I consider the perfect holiness of my Savior?
- Angelic Holiness. The angels, created as spirits, stand as a testament to the inherent holiness in God’s creation. Their original design included sanctity, and they remain steadfast in their holiness through divine election. But even these celestial beings, whose holiness is exceptional by human standards, humbly veil their faces when in the presence of God.
- The Elect’s Restored Holiness. In contrast to angels, humanity is not naturally holy. I am born into a world tainted by sin, and my inherent sinful nature inclines me toward wrongdoing. Yet, through the divine intervention of the Lord, holiness is restored to me as a believer. God’s sanctification sets me apart and consecrates me for His purposes. Through His grace I am made holy, both by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness on my behalf and through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within me. This restoration of holiness is a precious gift from God, inviting me to live a life that reflects His own character. Let me embrace this divine gift and walk in holiness before my Creator.
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord God Almighty, holy and exalted, I bow before You in reverent awe. You are thrice holy, and there is none like You. From everlasting to everlasting, You are perfect in purity, radiant in light, glorious in holiness. The angels cry out before Your throne without ceasing, “Holy, holy, holy,” and I join my voice with theirs in humble adoration. You dwell in unapproachable light, and yet You have drawn near to me in grace.
You are the fountain of holiness, the source from which all sanctity flows. Not one shadow of evil can be found in You; no corruption mingles with Your essence. You are set apart, above all creation, and yet You stooped to redeem sinners like me. How marvelous is Your condescension, that the Holy One should love the unholy and clothe them in the righteousness of Your beloved Son.
Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One of God, pure in every word, thought, and deed. You walked among us without spot, fulfilling the Law perfectly, suffering righteously, and then rising in glory. You are my righteousness. You are my hope. You are my sanctification. You have made me Your own and are transforming me into Your likeness. I worship You, O spotless Lamb of God, for You alone are worthy.
Holy Spirit, You are the Spirit of holiness who indwells me. You convict, cleanse, sanctify, and strengthen me. You apply the work of Christ to my heart and shape me after His image. Without You, I have no power to pursue the holy life to which I am called. But with You, I am made a vessel fit for the Master’s use. I praise You, O Sanctifier, for Your patient, purifying work in my soul.
O Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I adore You for Your holiness. It is not simply one attribute among many—it is the crown of all Your perfections. Your justice is holy. Your mercy is holy. Your wrath is holy. Your love is holy. All that You do is holy because You are holy.
Let me never lose sight of Your sanctity. Let the brightness of Your holiness fill my mind, humble my heart, and stir my affections. Let me hate sin more and long more earnestly to be holy as You are holy. Make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto You. Let my lips speak what is true, my hands do what is right, and my heart burn with devotion to Your name.
For You alone are worthy of incessant praise. You are the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. Let all creation, all heaven, and all my being cry out, “Holy is the Lord.”
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Rev. 4:8:
Isa. 6:3; Rev. 1:8; Exod. 15:11; Psa. 90:2.
[1] Samuel Page, A Godly Learned Exposition … on the Lords Prayer (London: Thomas Harper, 1631), 116.
