Holier Than Thou

1. God's holiness encompasses both moral perfection and transcendent otherness

God is holy, holy, holy is to say that God is most holy. He is totally holy. Completely holy. Unwaveringly holy. Utterly holy.

Holiness defined: God's holiness is not just about moral purity, but also His absolute uniqueness and separateness from creation. This "otherness" sets Him apart as the supreme being, utterly distinct from everything else that exists.

Moral perfection: God's holiness means He is morally perfect in every way. He cannot sin, lie, or act unjustly. His actions always align with His righteous character.

Transcendence: God's holiness also refers to His transcendence – His existence beyond and above the created universe. He is not bound by time, space, or any limitations that affect His creation.

• Independent: God exists by Himself, needing nothing outside of Himself
• Self-sufficient: He has life in Himself and is the source of all life
• Sovereign: He rules over all creation with supreme authority

2. Understanding God's holiness transforms our perspective on sin and judgment

If God is holy, then He can't sin. If God can't sin, then He can't sin against me. If He can't sin against me, shouldn't that make Him the most trustworthy being there is?

Sin's gravity: Recognizing God's absolute holiness helps us understand the true gravity of sin. It's not just breaking rules, but an offense against the very nature of a perfectly holy God.

Divine judgment: God's holiness necessitates His judgment of sin. A holy God cannot overlook or ignore evil without compromising His own nature.

Trust in God's character: Understanding God's holiness should lead us to trust Him more deeply. His perfect nature means He can never act unjustly or maliciously towards us, even when we don't understand His ways.

• Sin: Any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect holiness
• Judgment: God's righteous response to sin, upholding His moral perfection
• Trust: Confidence in God's character, even amid suffering or confusion

3. Idolatry: Exchanging the glory of God for created things

Idolatry always involves an exchange. It is a magician's act in which the holy is traded for the profane. The unique for the common. The transcendent for the earthly. The Creator for the creature.

Definition of idolatry: Idolatry is not just worshiping statues, but giving ultimate value and trust to anything other than God. It's a fundamental orientation of the heart away from the Creator and towards created things.

Modern idols: In contemporary society, idols often take the form of money, relationships, success, comfort, or even our own autonomy. These things become "functional saviors" we look to for identity, security, and fulfillment.

Consequences of idolatry:

• Disappointment: Created things can never fully satisfy our deepest longings
• Bondage: We become enslaved to the very things we worship
• Spiritual blindness: Idolatry distorts our view of God and reality
• Loss of true identity: We forget who we are as image-bearers of God

4. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to pursue holiness

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Regeneration: The Holy Spirit's work in giving spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead. This is the foundation for all growth in holiness.

New nature: Through regeneration, believers receive a new nature with new desires and inclinations towards God and holiness.

Empowerment for obedience: The indwelling Holy Spirit provides the power and motivation for Christians to live holy lives in accordance with God's will.

• New heart: A transformed inner being with new affections and motivations
• New spirit: A revitalized spiritual life, sensitive to God's leading
• Obedience: The outward fruit of an inward transformation by the Spirit

5. Beholding God's glory leads to spiritual transformation

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.

The transformative power of vision: Spiritual growth happens as we continually "behold" or contemplate the glory of God revealed in Christ. This focused attention on God's character shapes us into His likeness.

Progressive sanctification: Transformation into Christ's image is a gradual process. We grow "from one degree of glory to another" as we consistently fix our gaze on God's revealed glory.

Practical application:

• Scripture study: Regular, deep engagement with God's Word
• Worship: Both personal and corporate celebration of God's attributes
• Meditation: Thoughtful reflection on biblical truths about God
• Prayer: Intimate communion with God, aligning our hearts with His

6. God's justice and mercy meet at the cross of Christ

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The dilemma resolved: The cross of Christ demonstrates how God can be both perfectly just (punishing sin) and merciful (forgiving sinners) without compromising His holiness.

Substitutionary atonement: Jesus, the sinless Son of God, bore the punishment that our sins deserved. This satisfied God's justice while making a way for mercy to be extended to those who trust in Christ.

Key aspects of the cross:

• Justice upheld: Sin is fully punished
• Mercy displayed: Forgiveness is made available
• Love demonstrated: God provides the sacrifice Himself
• Holiness maintained: God remains true to His nature

7. Sanctification is an active process of cooperating with the Holy Spirit

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Divine-human partnership: While sanctification is ultimately God's work in us, we are called to actively participate in the process. This involves intentional effort and discipline on our part.

Means of grace: God has provided various "means of grace" through which we cooperate with the Spirit's sanctifying work. These include Scripture study, prayer, worship, fellowship, and service.

Practical steps for growth in holiness:

• Cultivate spiritual disciplines: Regular prayer, Bible reading, fasting, etc.
• Engage in community: Accountability and encouragement from other believers
• Practice obedience: Choosing to act on God's commands, even when difficult
• Pursue God's presence: Seeking intimate communion with God daily
• Confess and repent: Quickly turning from sin when we become aware of it

Last updated: July 22, 2024