Isaiah 6:1-7

Introduction:

1. This characteristic of God is like the head of a river from which His justice, righteousness, mercy, kindness, truthfulness, etc. flow.

2. It is also the primary call of God to humanity to imitate His holiness.

Discussion:

I. Holiness Defined

A. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia describes two senses:

1. Separation from and transcendence to the profane (Leviticus 10:10).

2. Inherent ethical/moral purity (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 1 John 1:5).

B. The Hebrew term denotes inherent goodness, righteousness, etc.

C. The interplay is fascinating as it is the ethical/moral purity that separates the holy from the profane/common.

II. Holy, Holy, Holy

A. Isaiah 6:1-7 displays this trait powerfully.

1. Isaiah knew he had no business in God’s presence (vs. 5).

2. God’s splendor, majesty, and holiness were the cause (vv. 1-4).

B. The three-fold holy is the Hebrew equivalent of our superlative.

C. God is intrinsically pure and holy (Mark 10:18; James 1:17; 1 John 1:5-6).

D. He is “the Holy One of Israel” (30x in the OT; 24x in Isaiah).

III. Be Holy as He Is Holy

A. As always, this is no trivial knowledge.

B. God’s people have always been set apart for and called to holiness (Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; Numbers 15:40; Deuteronomy 23:14; Ephesians 1:4; 5:1, 27; 1 Thessalonians 4:4, 7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Conclusion:

1. It is both comforting and terrifying to know that God is pure and holy.

A. To the faithful, it is comforting to know He will keep His promises (Hebrews 6:17-20).

B. To the unfaithful, it is frightening to know He will keep His promises (Deuteronomy 32:43; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:29-31).

2. Therefore, holiness must be the primary pursuit of God’s children.