THE MEANING OF JESUS' RESURRECTION

 

Introduction

Today is set apart as Bible Sunday, a day we want to reflect on the power, authority, and significance of God’s Word in our lives. As we look at today’s Scripture readings, we are drawn to one central theme: "the Holiness of God." 

Holiness is the defining characteristic of God. In its most basic sense, holiness means being "set apart" or "separate" from all that is common, impure, or sinful. It is a defining attribute of God that signifies His absolute moral purity, perfection, and transcendence above all creation. "Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (Exodus 15:11) In Isaiah, God quizzed, "“To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal?” says the Holy One." (Isaiah 40:25).

Understanding God’s holiness changes how we view ourselves, our calling, and our relationship with Him.

Isaiah’s Vision of God’s Holiness

The prophet Isaiah gives us a powerful picture of God’s holiness. He describes his vision of the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. The seraphim cry out:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

The threefold repetition of “holy” emphasizes the perfection and awesomeness of God. Experiencing this vision, Isaiah is overwhelmed by his own sinfulness:

“Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

(Isaiah 6:5)

Isaiah’s reaction shows that an encounter with God’s holiness exposes our sinfulness and unworthiness. But in His mercy, God purifies Isaiah by touching his lips with a burning coal. 

"Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing."

(Habakkuk 1:13)

John tells us, "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) So the darkness, the sins in us must be cleansed to make His holiness prevail.

For this reason, God touched Isaiah with a live coal. This act symbolizes cleansing, preparing him for his prophetic mission. In the same way, when we truly grasp God’s holiness, we recognize our need for His cleansing and grace. God is ready to cleanse us if we would humbly recognize our shortfalls.

Jesus Christ, the Gospel of God’s Holiness and Grace

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul speaks of his experience with the Gospel he preached, emphasizing Christ’s death and resurrection as the foundation of our faith. He humbly acknowledges his own unworthiness before encountering Christ;

“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

(1 Corinthians 15:9)

Yet, he goes on to declare:

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.”

(1 Corinthians 15:10)

Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him from a persecutor of Christians into one of the greatest proclaimers of the Gospel. The holiness of God revealed through Jesus Christ, does not leave us in our sinful state but calls us to repentance and a new life. 

Just as Isaiah was cleansed by God's holiness and sent, so Paul was redeemed by the holiness of Christ and commissioned to preach the Gospel.

In the holiness of God, Peter admonished us saying, ""But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’" Holiness is not optional but a must for all Christians.

Our Expected Response to God’s Holiness

In Luke 5, we read about Simon Peter’s miraculous catch of fish. After fishing all night without success, Peter obeys Jesus’ instruction to let down his nets. The result is overwhelming—they caught so many fish that the nets began to break. Realizing that the Holy One had visited him, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and says:

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

(Luke 5:8)

Like Isaiah and Paul, Peter is confronted by his own unworthiness in the presence of God’s holiness. But instead of turning him away, Jesus calls him into a new purpose:

“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:10)

God’s holiness does not destroy us; rather, it calls us into a deeper relationship with Him. "He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach." (Mark 3:14) Being with God brings His cleansing work into perfection. When we acknowledge our sinfulness, God’s grace transforms us for His mission.

Our Responsibility to God’s Holiness

Our reflections on the holiness of God reveal encounters that lead to transformation. Isaiah, Paul, and Peter all recognized their unworthiness, yet God purified, called, and empowered them for His purpose. What does this mean for us?

1. Recognize God’s Holiness – We must have a high view and respect for God, acknowledging His purity, majesty, and sovereignty. When our reverence of God is top-notch, we will not condone and engage in sinful lifestyles let alone in the Church.

2. Confess Your Sinfulness – Like Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we must acknowledge our need for God’s grace. Confession is needed in the steps to salvation (Rom. 10:9-10). True repentance breeds purity.

3. Receive God’s Cleansing and Call – God does not leave us in our sin; He cleanses, equips, and commissions us for His work. If you do not purpose to live the holy life with God,

4. Live in Holiness – As those who have been transformed by His grace, we are called to reflect His holiness in our daily lives.

Conclusion

God’s holiness is His absolute purity, moral perfection, and distinctiveness from all creation. As believers, we are called to reflect His holiness in our lives. Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in holiness and become more like God.  

Shalom aleikhem...