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We saw that there is a crucial distinction between the creator and the creature. That idea leads us into our next study concerning the nature of God. As well as being the Creator, he is also Holy. The word “Holy” means “separate.” In our language, holiness often means sinlessness, and of course God is holy in the sense of being without sin. But holiness is a bigger term than that. It speaks of the vast gulf between God and man. He is totally separate from his creation, not dependent on it in any way. He does not need us like we need him. As part of that holy separation, he is totally separate from sin: it has no place in his being, and he cannot come into contact with sin in any other being.
1. Read the passage in Exodus carefully. What effect did the bush that was on fire have on Moses?
2. Was he able to come close to God? (Exodus 3:5)
3. What are the implications of this passage for the way in which we are to approach God?
4. Read the passage in Isaiah carefully. Isaiah was a prophet who lived about 800 years before Jesus. Uzziah was king of Judah during Isaiah’s early life. There was a lot of corruption in the nation at this time. When King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw this vision. What word in Isaiah 6:1 shows you that despite all the wickedness that was being practiced in Uzziah’s reign, God was still in charge?
5. What words did the seraphs (angels) use to praise God? Compare this with Revelation 4:6-11. If this is the constant vocabulary of heaven, what do you think is the most important thing that anybody can say about the nature of God? Is this the thing that people on earth most frequently say about what God is like? What is the most commonly thought of characteristic of God? Why do you think people prefer to concentrate on other aspects of God’s character?
6. What effect did the vision have on Isaiah?
7. What two things happened when he confessed his sinfulness?
Spend time praising God for who he is, using the praise songs of heaven that you have read as a model. Consider how you should respond to a holy God in a similar way to Moses and Isaiah.
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