The Holiness of God: A Reflection by J.C. Ryle

The holiness of God is one of the grandest and most solemn truths revealed in Scripture. It is a truth that stands at the very heart of Christian doctrine and should be meditated upon with reverence and awe. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory (Isaiah 6:3). These words, uttered by the seraphim in Isaiah’s vision, remind us that holiness is the crowning attribute of God.

The Meaning of Holiness

To say that God is holy is to declare that He is perfectly pure, set apart from all sin, and infinitely exalted above His creation. In Him, there is no blemish, no darkness, no imperfection. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Unlike men, who are frail and sinful, God’s holiness is unchanging, eternal, and absolute.

Holiness is not merely an aspect of God—it is His very nature. His justice is holy, His love is holy, His mercy is holy. Every act of God is stamped with the seal of perfect righteousness. This should stir within us deep reverence, for we are dealing not with a being of human frailty but with the Almighty, who is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders (Exodus 15:11).

The Revelation of God’s Holiness

The holiness of God is displayed throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, we see it in the burning bush that was not consumed, in the law given on Mount Sinai, in the sacredness of the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle. The slightest defilement was met with judgment, for God cannot abide sin in His presence.

In the New Testament, the holiness of God is supremely revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. He was the spotless Lamb, holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). He came to a sinful world, yet sin never tainted Him. His perfect obedience and righteousness demonstrated the holiness of God in human form. And in His sacrificial death on the cross, we see the most striking proof of divine holiness, for there the wrath of God against sin was fully satisfied.

The Implications of God’s Holiness

If God is holy, what does this mean for us? First, it reveals the dreadful sinfulness of man. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Before such a holy God, even the best of men must confess, as Isaiah did, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). Sin is no light matter; it is a direct offense against the holiness of God.

Second, it calls us to holiness. Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16). A true Christian is one who has been set apart by grace, who strives to reflect the holiness of God in his daily life. Though we fall short, we must seek, by the power of the Spirit, to walk in purity, to hate sin, and to grow in the likeness of Christ.

Third, it reminds us of the necessity of Christ’s atonement. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). How then can sinners stand before a holy God? Only through the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us by faith. There is no other refuge but the cross, no other plea but the blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin.

Conclusion

The holiness of God is not a doctrine to be ignored or taken lightly. It should humble us, lead us to repentance, and stir within us a deep longing for holiness in our own lives. Let us stand in awe of God’s perfect purity, worship Him with reverence, and seek, by His grace, to live lives that reflect His holiness. Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy (Revelation 15:4).

May this truth dwell richly in our hearts, leading us ever closer to the One who is infinitely pure and eternally glorious. Amen.