Living One: A Study of Integrity in Hebrewsනියැදිය

Day 2: Beholding God’s holiness

We are, simultaneously, perfected and being made perfect. This ongoing process of sanctification begins by beholding the glory of God, revealed in his holiness and perfection.

When Isaiah saw God seated upon his throne, he was captivated by the glory that filled the earth. Neither the splendour of the temple, nor the train of God's robe, or the presence of the seraphim were able to arrest his attention as profoundly - it was the glory of God that stood as the epicentre of this heavenly vision. The angels responded in worship and awe, declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

At its essence, holiness conveys the idea of “otherness.” God is radically distinct from us in the sense that we are his worshippers, bowing in reverent awe and adoration before him. Theologian John Frame writes that God's holiness is his capacity and right to evoke our reverent awe and wonder. It speaks of his uniqueness as Creator, his purity as God, and his majesty as Lord and King.

Why, then, do the angels repeat the word holy? Would it not have sufficed to say it once? The answer lies in the significance of repetition in the Hebrew language - it signifies intensity. As the angels perceived ever-deepening layers of his holiness and beauty, their worship intensified accordingly.

Prayer reflection

Holy Father, I bow before you in awe. Lord, guide me to behold Your glory with unveiled eyes and to worship You with intensifying levels of awe and wonder.