Many followers of Jesus Christ today are preoccupied with the love and goodness of God, but not many think about His holiness. And even fewer quake in fear of it! Why?
The reason is this: When we catch a glimpse of our Lord's greatness and glory, we see more clearly our own sinfulness. And that's humbling!
We see an illustration of this truth in the Gospel of Luke. After witnessing a miracle, Peter fell down before Jesus and cried out, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" (5:8).
If we were to see God in all His splendor and holiness, we would respond as Isaiah did and admit to our sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5). That's a healthy response, but it's only half the picture. God is not out to destroy us by His holiness. His purpose is to take away our sin (v.7). He longs for us to experience His forgiveness and enjoy a close relationship with Him.
This truth is very close to my own heart. In one shattering moment a few years ago I saw more clearly than ever the awfulness of my sin. I was crushed, broken, terrified—until I also saw the unfathomable love of God, and His power to forgive and purify me (1 John 1:9).
God reveals His holiness not to destroy us but to expose and remove our sin. Ask Him to cleanse you today. — David C. Egner
Dear Lord, reveal to me my sin,
Show me the filth that dwells within;
Cleanse me and take my guilt away,
That I may do Your work this day. —Fitzhugh
God has both an all-seeing eye and an all-forgiving heart.