Many misrepresent God to mankind as a harsh, stern, angry god, full of wrath. In part, this is the byproduct of the religious system’s faulty estimation of God’s “holiness.” We have been seriously misled as to the true nature and character of our Creator.
The Hebrew word for “holiness” in 11 Chronicles 20:21 means “uncommon” (i.e., “special”), as distinct and separate (i.e. “set apart from the rest”) from the common. It’s defined as “apartness” and “separateness.” The idea of “holiness” is “one who is set apart as special.”
Truly, God is uncommon, and special. He is set apart, and distinct from all of His creation. In what way? In many ways! In every way!
However, scripturally, in what way is God said to be “holy”? What is the quality of contrast and distinction? It is God’s “mercy.”
When the choir of Israel sang the praises of God, it is quite interesting to note what they specifically magnified about Him:
…He appointed singers unto the LORD, and that they should praise the beauty of holiness…(11 Chronicles 20:21).
Yet, to demonstrate the true beauty of God’s holiness, here is what they actually sang:
…Praise the LORD; for His mercy endures for the ages(11 Chronicles 20:21)
Man’s many systems of religion would lead us to believe that the holiness of God overflows with sternest severity, anger and wrath; but when the choir of Israel sang the praises of God’s holiness, they specifically sang about His enduring mercy. This is so contrary to religious thinking.
The holiness of God actually overflows with kindness, compassion, love, gentleness and mercy! We learn this from the pages of the Scriptures themselves. We see this clearly within the context of our passage at hand. God’s holiness is unmistakenly associated with divine mercy.
Here is another passage that clearly shows the relationship between the true character of God’s holiness and His abundant mercy.
I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee… (Hosea 11:9)
Why would God not execute the fierceness of His “anger”? The verse tells us why: because He is not man, He is “the Holy One”!
We are often led to believe that the very reason that God can’t have a relationship with man is because of His holiness. Yet we can see from this passage that it is just the opposite. After all, He is truly a God Who “delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18).
We can also see the connection between the holiness of God and His mercy in the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was Emmanuel – “God with us.” Thus, the truth is, that the one “Who is holy” and “separate from sinners” was here on earth as “a friend of Publicans and sinners” (cf. Hebrews 7:26; Matthew 11:19).
One telling passage about the true nature of holiness can be seen in the admonition of Paul, the apostle:
I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Timothy 2:8).
Ultimately, wrath and holiness are incompatible in the mind of Paul (and in the mind of God!).
God’s holiness is predominantly connected with His Saviorhood. He is the compassionate and loving Savior because of His holiness, not in spite of it!
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior (Isaiah 43:3).
Yet further, Paul goes on to reveal to us that, not only was God the Savior of Israel but, He is indeed,
the living God, who is the Savior of ALL men (1 Timothy 4:10)
This is the biblical view of the true and living God! This is the scriptural view of the holiness of God!
Rejoice in Him! He is a wonderful God! His holiness is beautiful!
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Note: This article is Lesson 7 of Course 1, Unit 5 of Bible Student’s Courses published in Bible Student’s Notebook.