The phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy” is one of the most profound declarations found in Scripture. It is a cry of worship, an acknowledgement of God’s supreme holiness, and a call to revere His majesty. Found in both the Old and New Testaments, this divine acclamation unveils God’s character, His glory, and His call for His people to live holy lives.
This blog explores the depth of the phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy” and its implications for believers. With biblical references and reflective insights, let us delve into the holiness of God and what it means for us today.
The Declaration of Holiness
The phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy” appears twice in the Bible, both in moments of heavenly worship:
- Isaiah’s Vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:3):
In Isaiah 6:1-4, the prophet Isaiah witnesses a majestic vision of God seated on a throne, high and exalted. The seraphim, angelic beings, call out:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
This vision highlights God’s transcendent holiness, filling Isaiah with awe and a sense of unworthiness. - John’s Vision in Revelation (Revelation 4:8):
In Revelation 4, John describes a scene of heavenly worship where four living creatures continually proclaim:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
This declaration emphasises God’s eternal nature and His unmatched purity.
The repetition of the word “holy” is not mere redundancy. In biblical language, repetition signifies emphasis and completeness. By declaring God as “holy” three times, the Scriptures underscore that God is supremely holy—infinitely beyond human comprehension.
What Does “Holy” Mean?
The word “holy” comes from the Hebrew word qadosh and the Greek word hagios, both of which mean “set apart” or “sacred.” Holiness is the defining attribute of God, signifying His absolute moral purity, perfection, and separation from sin.
- God’s Holiness Is Absolute:
Exodus 15:11 declares:
“Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
God’s holiness sets Him apart from all creation. He is not just holy—he is the source of all holiness. - God’s Holiness Is Majestic:
Psalm 99:9 calls us to worship Him:
“Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.”
His holiness evokes reverence, awe, and worship. - God’s Holiness Is Active:
His holiness is not passive or distant. It actively purifies, refines, and transforms. Habakkuk 1:13 says:
“Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.”
The Impact of God’s Holiness on Humanity
When confronted with God’s holiness, humanity’s natural response is a sense of unworthiness. Isaiah’s reaction to his vision reflects this:
“Woe to me!” I cried. “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)
God’s holiness exposes human sinfulness, yet it also offers redemption and transformation. Isaiah’s story shows that God’s holiness is not meant to destroy us but to purify us. In Isaiah 6:6-7, a seraph touches Isaiah’s lips with a live coal, symbolising God’s cleansing power:
“Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
The Call to Be Holy
God’s holiness is not just a concept to be admired—it is a standard for His people. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are commanded:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
This call to holiness has practical implications:
- Living Set Apart:
Holiness means living a life distinct from the world, reflecting God’s character in our actions, thoughts, and words. Romans 12:1-2 exhorts us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Pursuing Purity:
Holiness requires a commitment to purity in every area of life. Matthew 5:8 reminds us:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” - Being God’s Ambassadors:
As God’s holy people, we are called to represent Him in the world. 1 Peter 2:9 declares:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Worshiping the Holy God
The holiness of God inspires worship. Revelation 4:11 captures the essence of heavenly adoration:
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
True worship arises from recognising God’s holiness and responding in reverence and awe. It is not about rituals or performances but about honouring God for who He is.
Holiness and the Cross
God’s holiness is most vividly displayed at the cross of Jesus Christ. On the cross, God’s justice and mercy converge. His holiness demands that sin be punished, but His love provides a way of redemption. 2 Corinthians 5:21 encapsulates this truth:
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are made holy, not by our works but by His grace. Hebrews 10:10 confirms:
“We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Living in Anticipation of Eternal Holiness
The holiness of God will be fully realised in eternity. Revelation 21:27 describes the New Jerusalem:
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
As believers, we anticipate a future where we will dwell in God’s holy presence forever, free from sin and suffering.
Conclusion: Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord?
The phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy” is a timeless reminder of who God is and what He calls us to be. It challenges us to revere His majesty, live lives set apart for His glory, and worship Him in spirit and truth.
Let us echo the cry of the seraphim and the living creatures in heaven:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)
May this declaration resonate in our hearts and inspire us to pursue God’s holiness daily, knowing that one day we will behold Him in all His glory.