Holy, Holy, Holy: Transformed by the Glory of God Isaiah 6:3
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the majestic vision of Isaiah, where he encountered the holiness and glory of God.
In Isaiah 6:3, we read: "They were calling out to each other, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!'" Let us explore how this profound encounter with God's holiness can transform our lives today.
Point 1: Understanding God's Holiness
In Isaiah's vision, the seraphim proclaimed God's holiness repeatedly. This triple declaration signifies the absolute perfection and separateness of God from all sin and imperfection. To comprehend God's holiness is to recognise His utter purity, majesty, and moral excellence.
As A.W. Tozer said, "The holiness of God is the attribute that sets God apart from every created thing."
Revelation 4:8 (NLT): "And the four living beings, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!'"
In this magnificent vision from Revelation, we witness the celestial beings continually proclaiming the holiness of the Lord God Almighty. This thrice-holy declaration underscores the transcendent nature of our Creator—the One who is eternal and sovereign over all.
Now, let us turn to Psalm 99:9:
Psalm 99:9 (NLT): "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!"
Here in Psalm 99, we are urged to exalt and worship the Lord at His holy mountain because He is indeed holy. This verse echoes the sentiment of reverence and awe that we must hold in our hearts as we approach the presence of God.
Point 2: Responding to God's Holiness with Reverence
Isaiah's response to the vision was one of awe and humility. In the presence of God's holiness, Isaiah acknowledged his own sinfulness and inadequacy. This encounter reminds us that true worship begins with a reverent acknowledgment of God's holiness and our need for His cleansing.
As R.C. Sproul stated, "The holiness of God reveals the awesome splendour of His character."
Psalm 96:9 (NLT): "Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before Him."
Psalm 96 calls us to worship the Lord in His majestic splendor and to acknowledge His supreme authority. The earth itself is called to tremble before Him—an awe-inspiring image of the power and majesty of our God.
Next, let's explore Hebrews 12:28-29:
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NLT): "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire."
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing that we are part of His unshakable Kingdom. Our worship should be marked by holy fear, acknowledging that our God is like a devouring fire—consuming all that is impure and unworthy.
Point 3: Transformed by the Glory of God
Isaiah's transformation came through God's cleansing touch and commission. When we encounter God's holiness, it should lead us to repentance, purification, and readiness for His service. John Piper reminds us, "God's holiness is His unique and infinite intrinsic worthiness and greatness, holiness is the opposite of all that we are by nature."
Additional Bible Verses:
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT):
"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image."
In this passage, we are reminded that as believers, we are being transformed into the image of the Lord. This transformation is a work of the Spirit, enabling us to reflect His glory more and more as we walk with Him.
Finally, let's consider Romans 12:1:
Romans 12:1 (NLT): "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him."
In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul urges us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, presenting our bodies and lives as holy and pleasing offerings. This act of surrender and dedication is described as true worship—a response to God's mercy and grace.
Application and Call to Action:
These scriptures reveal the holiness, majesty, and glory of our God. May we respond with reverence, worship, and a willingness to be transformed by His Spirit. Let us live as reflections of His glory, offering ourselves wholly to Him in worship and obedience.
Let us respond to God's holiness with reverence and awe. As we encounter His glory, may it transform our hearts and lives. Let us seek personal holiness and devotion to God, knowing that He calls us to be set apart for His purposes. May our worship be genuine and our service be wholehearted, reflecting the holiness of our God.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your holiness to us. Help us to respond with humility and reverence. Transform us by Your glory and empower us to live lives that honour You. In Jesus' name, amen.
May the truth of God's holiness continue to resonate in our hearts as we seek to live transformed lives for His glory. Amen.
