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E. Communicable Attributes Of
God 1. Holiness a) We will
begin the Communicable Attributes with the attribute of holiness. As was
previously stated, the Communicable Attributes of God are those attributes,
which can be found in man, albeit with an imperfect and finite resemblance.
Holiness is a communicable attribute. b) Definitions (1) Gibson
defines the holiness of God as, set apart from all uncleanness, impurity
and is completely moral in all things. (2) Ryrie defines the holiness of God as, not
only that he is separate from all that is unclean and evil but also that He
is positively pure and thus distinct from all others. (3) Berkhof defines the holiness of God as, that
divine perfection by which He is absolutely distinct from all His creatures,
and exalted above them in infinite majesty. But it denotes in the second
place that He is free from all moral impurity or sin, and is therefore
morally perfect. In the presence of the holy God man is deeply conscious of
his sin. (Berkhof, Summary of Christian Doctrine) c) God
is absolutely holy in His nature and being (Ex 15:11; Is 57:15; Is 6:1-4;
Re 4:8) (1) The
Hebrew word for holy is qadosh and carries the literal meaning of
“cut” or “separate.” In this sense, God is transcendent and separate from all
others because He alone is perfect in holiness (Ex 15:11; Is 57:15). (2) The Greek word for holy is hagios and
reflects the same meaning as qadosh in the LXX and NT (Re 4:8 cf.
Is 6:1-4). (3) Because God is holy, everything He does is
done in holiness (Ps 77:13). His name is holy (Le 22:2; Ps 105:3) as is His
word (Ps 105:42; Ro 1:2). d) God is
absolutely without sin in His nature and being (1Jn 1:5; Job 34:10; Hab
1:13) (1) In
another sense, qadosh suggests that God is separate from all that is
sinful and unholy. God’s nature is completely holy so that there is no sin or
darkness in Him (1Jn 1:5). (2) In fact, since God’s nature is holy, it is
impossible for God to sin (sometimes called Impeccability) (Job 34:10) or
even to be tempted by sin (Jm 1:13). e) God
is the very standard of holiness (Le 11:44; 19:2; 20:7 cf. 1Pe 1:15-16) (1) Since God
is holy, the moral standard placed upon man must be holiness. If God is holy,
man is not permitted to be less than holy (Le 19:2 cf. 1Pe 1:15-16). (2) God reigns over man in judgment according
to His standard of holiness (Ps 47:8; Eze 28:22). (3) God’s Law is holy (Ro 7:9-12) and the
righteous requirements (morality) are written upon man’s heart (Ro 2:14-15). f) God’s
holiness serves to expose man’s sinfulness (Is 6:5) Ex 3:4-5; Is 1:4 (1) Though
God possess all attributes perfectly and equally, His holiness is vigorously
stressed in the Bible (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8). It is emphasized because sinful man
must grasp how far short he has fallen from God’s glory (Ro 3:23; Is 6:5). (2) God continuously had to reveal His holiness
to sinful man. He revealed to Moses that he was standing on “holy ground” (Ex
3:5). Israel was not permitted to touch the holy mountain (Ex 19:12-13). The
priest could not enter the holy place at any time, but only on the Day of
Atonement (Le 16:2). g) God’s
holiness separates Him from sinful man (Hab 1:13; Is 59:1-2) (1) God
cannot even look upon sin (Hab 1:13). Though omnipresent and omniscient, God
obviously observes man’s sin. However, it is impossible for God to even
remotely view it with acceptance, agreement, or the possibility of
fellowship. (2) Sin separates all mankind from fellowship
with God (Is 59:1-2). God does not hear the prayer of the unholy (Ps 66:18;
Pr 28:9; Is 1:15). h) Christ
shares the perfect attribute of holiness (Lk 1:35; Jn 6:69; He 7:26; He
4:15), as does the Holy Spirit (Ro 1:4; Jud 1:20). i) Observations and Applications (1) Since sin
separates sinful man from the holiness of God, atonement is required in order
to enter into a relationship with God (Le 16:11, 16). Christ provided that
atonement for the believer (He 9:12; 10:19). (2) Believers have been made holy through
Christ (Ep 1:4; Ep 4:24), they are a holy priesthood and nation unto the Lord
(1Pe 1:15; 2:5, 9), and therefore are to live holy lives (2Pe 3:11). (3) When a believer sins, his relationship with
God is secure. However, to remain in fellowship with God, the believer is to
“confess” his sins and he is promised forgiveness (1Jn 1:9). |
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Grace Bible Church · 4000 E. Collins Rd · PO Box #3762 · Gillette, WY · (307) 686-1516 |
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