Tim Keller | September 27, 1992
When we look at Isaiah 6, we see God’s holiness. But what does that mean for us? It means God is way bigger than anything we face. God is our helper, our healer, and our protector. But more than anything, He is holy. His holiness can be overwhelming, purifying, healing, and transforming. It’s key to understanding who God is.
1. His holiness overwhelms us
What is holiness? It’s God being completely perfect, way beyond what we can understand. When we realize how holy God is, we see how much we don’t measure up. That’s a big deal because it changes how we see ourselves and the world. It helps us deal with life without becoming bitter or worried, because we know God’s got this.
2. His holiness changes us
When we see how holy God is, it makes us take a good look at ourselves. We realize we’re not as good as we thought. This isn’t about feeling guilty. It’s about knowing we need help, that we need Jesus. This is what sets true Christians apart – we know we’re not perfect, but we trust in God’s grace to forgive and change us.
3. The holiness of God heals you
God’s holiness shows us His grace. In Isaiah’s story, a coal touches his lips, showing that God has taken away his sins. It’s not just about knowing about sin and grace, it’s about experiencing it. When we admit we can’t do it on our own and stop trying to be perfect, we can truly understand God’s love and forgiveness.
4. The holiness of God changes our character
When we experience God’s holiness and grace, like Isaiah did, we don’t have to be afraid or pretend to be perfect. We can face anything because we know God is with us. This doesn’t mean we don’t worry, but it means we know we can always turn to God. We pray that everyone may understand this, may experience God’s grace, and may truly know His holiness.
April Book Offer
Tim Keller’s How to Find God set of three short books on birth, death, and marriage addresses these key milestones in your life and shows you how the Scripture teaches us to face each one with God’s help. They are books of pastoral care, designed for specific life situations you or someone you know will go through.