"Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah"

Isaiah was overcome with awe at the scene before him-a vision from God. It seemed so real! Isaiah later wrote that he actually "got to see Jehovah" on His lofty throne. Jehovah's flowing raiment filled the huge temple in Jerusalem. -Isaiah 6:1, 2.

Isaiah was also awed by what he heard-singing so powerful that it shook the temple to its very foundations. The song was coming from seraphs, spirit creatures of very high rank. Their might harmony rang out in words of simple majesty: "Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies. The fullness of all the earth is his glory." (Isaiah 6:3, 4) Sing the word "holy' three times gave it special emphasis, and rightly so, for Jehovah is holy to the superlative degree. (Revelation 4:8) Jehovah's holiness is emphasized throughout the Bible. Hundreds of verses associate his name with the words "holy" and "holiness."

Clearly, then, one of the primary things that Jehovah wants us to grasp about him is that he is holy. Yet, many today are put off by the very idea. Some mistakenly associate holiness with self-righteousness or false piety. People who struggle with a negative view of themselves may find God's holiness more daunting than appealing. they may fear that they could never be worthy of drawing close to this holy God. Hence, many turn away from God because of his holiness. that is sad, for God's holiness is really a compelling reason for drawing close to him. Why? Before we answer that question, let us discuss what true holiness is.

Next time: What Is Holiness?

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002