The Majesty of God’s Holiness: Why It Changes Everything

Have you ever had a moment where you were utterly overwhelmed by the greatness of God? Maybe it was during a worship service, while reading Scripture, or standing in awe of creation. For the prophet Isaiah, it happened in a vision—a glimpse into the throne room of heaven that forever changed his life. In Isaiah 6, we see the majesty of God’s holiness on full display, and it’s a vision that still speaks to us today. It shapes how we worship, how we live, and how we see ourselves in light of who God is.

But here’s the thing: God’s holiness isn’t just a theological concept. It’s a reality that should shake us to our core and then lift us to new heights of joy and purpose. So, let’s dive into Isaiah 6, explore what it means for us, and see where we—both as modern evangelicals and as part of the broader Christian tradition—sometimes get it wrong. And don’t worry, I’ll end with some encouragement, because God’s holiness isn’t just awe-inspiring—it’s also deeply comforting.

Isaiah’s Vision: Holy, Holy, Holy

Imagine this: Isaiah is going about his life when suddenly, he’s transported into the throne room of heaven. He sees the Lord “sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up,” with the train of His robe filling the temple (Isaiah 6:1). Surrounding Him are seraphim—angelic beings with six wings—crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3).

Let’s pause here. The threefold repetition of “holy” isn’t just for emphasis—it’s a declaration of God’s absolute perfection. He is utterly set apart, pure, and transcendent. This isn’t just a God who is “nice” or “loving” in a generic sense. This is the God of the universe, whose holiness is so overwhelming that even the angels cover their faces in His presence (Isaiah 6:2).

When Isaiah sees this, he doesn’t respond with a casual, “Hey, God, what’s up?” Instead, he cries out, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5). In other words, Isaiah is utterly undone. He realizes his sinfulness in the presence of a holy God.

But here’s the beautiful part: God doesn’t leave Isaiah in despair. A seraphim takes a burning coal from the altar, touches Isaiah’s lips, and says, “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). This act of cleansing points us to Jesus, who would one day make the ultimate atonement for our sins (Hebrews 10:10).

And then, God asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah’s response? “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). That’s the power of encountering God’s holiness—it humbles us, cleanses us, and sends us out on mission.

Why God’s Holiness Matters for Us

So, what does this mean for us today? Here are three big takeaways:

God’s Holiness Shapes Our Worship

When we truly grasp the holiness of God, our worship changes. It’s not about catchy songs or emotional experiences—it’s about bowing before the One who is “holy, holy, holy.” The Reformed tradition has always emphasized this, reminding us that worship should be reverent, God-centered, and awe-filled. As the psalmist says, “Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth!” (Psalm 96:9).

God’s Holiness Calls Us to Live Differently

If God is holy, then we—as His people—are called to be holy too. Peter writes, “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). This isn’t about legalism or perfectionism; it’s about letting God’s holiness transform every part of our lives.

God’s Holiness Gives Us Hope

The holiness of God isn’t just intimidating—it’s also comforting. Because God is holy, He is perfectly just, faithful, and trustworthy. We can trust Him with our lives, knowing that His plans are good and His promises are sure.

Where We Get It Wrong

Now, let’s be honest: both modern evangelicalism and Roman Catholicism often miss the mark when it comes to God’s holiness.

Modern Evangelicalism: A Casual View of God

In many evangelical churches, the emphasis is on making God relatable. Worship services can feel more like concerts than encounters with the living God. Songs and sermons often focus on God’s love and grace (which are wonderful!) but sometimes at the expense of His holiness. The result? A casual, even flippant, view of God. But Isaiah’s vision reminds us that God is not our “buddy”—He is the King of kings, high and lifted up. We need to recover a sense of reverence in our worship and our lives.

Roman Catholicism: Holiness as Ritual

On the other hand, Roman Catholicism often ties holiness to rituals, sacraments, and the veneration of saints. While these practices may seem reverent, they can obscure the unique holiness of God. Scripture teaches that holiness comes through Christ alone, not through human efforts or traditions (Hebrews 10:14). We don’t need relics or rituals—we need Jesus.

Encouragement: Pursuing Holiness in a Messy World

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the call to holiness, take heart. Here’s the good news: holiness isn’t something we achieve on our own. It’s a gift from God, made possible through Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

You Are Forgiven: If you’ve trusted in Christ, your sins are forgiven, and you’ve been declared holy in God’s sight (Colossians 1:22). That’s the foundation of everything.

You Are Being Transformed: Sanctification is a process. God is at work in you, shaping you into the image of Christ (Philippians 1:6). It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

You Have a Future Hope: One day, you’ll see God face to face and be fully conformed to His holiness (1 John 3:2). Until then, press on, knowing that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Final Thoughts

The holiness of God is both terrifying and beautiful. It exposes our sinfulness, but it also points us to the grace of Christ, who makes us holy. It calls us to worship with reverence, to live with purpose, and to hope with confidence.

So, let’s take a cue from Isaiah. Let’s behold the majesty of God’s holiness, let it humble us, cleanse us, and send us out into the world. And let’s never lose sight of the fact that the God who is “holy, holy, holy” is also the God who loves us, saves us, and calls us His own.

Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be the glory!