The question of holiness is one that seems to have lost its importance in the church of the western world. Today we tend to emphasize God’s love, or grace, or power, or goodness, or glory, or even His destiny for our lives. I am not in any way trying to minimize these aspects of God or of us in relation to Him. However, is it possible that we have in some manner minimized His holiness? I don’t think it has been done consciously or purposely but through neglect it has been diminished in our culture and character.
What would you say is the central attribute of God? Would you say love? Doesn’t our Bible say, “God is love”? (1 John 4:8) I think that many Christians focus on this aspect of His nature. Would you say that God is good (and hear others reply, “all the time”)? Even Jesus said that God alone is good. (Luke 18:19) Would you say glory? His glory is an aspect that He will not give to another. (Isa. 42:8) In fact, the whole earth is filled with His glory. (Isa. 6:3) Consider, however, what the angels are proclaiming before they say the earth is filled with His glory: “Holy, holy, holy!” We see that same declaration in the revelation that John received. (Rev. 4:8)
So many aspects of God’s nature and character to choose from and yet I believe at the core of it is His holiness. Part of the mental exercise is seeing what pairing attributes reveals as to which is more central. Is God one who has holy love or loving holiness? Is God one who has holy goodness or good holiness? Does God have graceful holiness or holy grace? Perhaps consider what was most offended when God had to drive Adam and Eve from the garden. Possibly think of what was identified as a key attribute when Moses approached the burning bush. Consider what it will take to be able to see God. You could even just note what attribute we connect with God’s Spirit.
My thoughts at the beginning of 2018 are about holiness because I believe God is calling His church to re-engage with it; to remember it; to renew it in our lives. Holiness isn’t just God’s core attribute but it is supposed to be the church’s also. Whether holiness is relevant in the 21st century is not a question of cultural significance but of church survival. Much of the world is seeking church conformity and it is a commitment to holiness that will rebuff this. One author notes that “holiness is a message of hope” and I agree with him. There is much more about holiness that I will speak about in our month of prayer and fasting. I trust we will all renew our hearts in it.
Journeying with you,
Pastor Merril