God's Holiness: The Central Attribute in the Bible

When discussing the attributes of God, one of the most frequently highlighted and central attributes found in the Bible is His holiness. His holiness not only sets apart the entire narrative of the gospel but is also a profound and absolute perfection that our society and the church have often overlooked. In this article, we will explore the significance of God's holiness and its connection with His love, particularly in the context of the cross and transformation into Christ-likeness.

The Central Attribute: God's Holiness

God's holiness, as described in the Bible, is a purity and perfection that is completely separate from anything we can fully understand or achieve. In passages like Habakkuk 1:13, God's holiness is clearly defined:

Your eyes are too pure to look at evil And You cannot look at harm favorably.

These words emphasize that God's holiness is so pure and perfect that He cannot even tolerate the slightest evil or harm. This attribute is not just a characteristic but is the foundation upon which the entire gospel narrative is built. It is because of God's holiness that He demands justice for sin and that Jesus Christ was able to come and offer salvation.

Understanding Sin and Holiness

It is easy for us to misinterpret God's holiness, particularly when faced with the realities of sin. Many try to construe God as being tolerant of sin or understanding that "I’m only human." However, God is not tolerant of sin; it is an affront to His nature and a disservice to His holiness. Even those who consider themselves "good" are tainted by sin and cannot satisfy God's holiness through their efforts alone.

God's Holiness and the Cross

The necessity of the cross becomes apparent when we understand the connection between God's holiness and His love for us. Christ, the second person of the Trinity, came in the flesh to live a life of perfect holiness. He bore the full wrath of God's judgment against sin on the cross, offering us a means to receive this life and holiness.

We can place ourselves at the cross and receive that life and holiness that Christ offers, leading to a new life of trust in God through the Holy Spirit to reproduce that holiness in us.

The transformation into Christ-likeness and holiness is not a one-time event but a journey of ongoing trust and obedience to God. Those who claim to be Christians but are not moving towards becoming more like Christ are often not truly understanding God's holiness and His desire for them.

Conclusion

God's holiness is the central attribute that defines His character and demands our reverence and submission. It is the attribute that makes the cross necessary, providing the means for us to be transformed into Christ-likeness. Understanding and embracing God's holiness is a crucial step in every Christian's journey towards a life of sanctification and transformation.

As we continue to explore and apply the teachings of the Bible, may our understanding and reverence for God's holiness lead us to a deeper relationship with Him and a more transformed life.