Discovering God’s Holiness
Isaiah 6:1-8
INTRODUCTION
Tonight, we will examine the prophet Isaiah and his profound revelation of God’s holiness.
As we journey through the Bible, we arrive at a moment approximately 750 years before Jesus’ coming. By this time, Israel’s history had already unfolded over centuries. The nation had long settled in Canaan, but not without challenges. They endured internal strife, leading to a civil war that divided them into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom, Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, Judah.
The Northern Kingdom eventually fell to the Assyrians. According to 2 Kings 17, the people of Israel adopted pagan beliefs, blending foreign religions with their own. Through intermarriage and cultural assimilation, their identity became intertwined with these influences, giving rise to the Samaritans we encounter in the New Testament.
The Southern Kingdom, Judah, fared little better. They, too, experienced both righteous and wicked leadership. It was during the reign of King Uzziah (also called Azariah) that Isaiah was called to prophesy.
Isaiah’s message revolved around God’s holiness, judgment, and redemption. His writings offer one of the clearest Old Testament portraits of Christ and what it means to follow Him. It is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament. Again and again, the writers of the New Testament reference Isaiah to declare the holiness of God and His Son, our Savior.
Perhaps the most powerful passage in Isaiah is chapter 6, and it is here that we turn our focus tonight.
If you have your Bible, let’s read this together.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.’ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.”(Isaiah 6:1-4, NIV)
1. Seek and Embrace God’s Holiness
Isaiah 6 records a profound encounter between the prophet Isaiah and the holiness of God. This passage is one of the most awe-inspiring visions of divine majesty in all of Scripture.
The Context of Isaiah’s Vision
Isaiah begins this account with an important historical marker: “In the year that King Uzziah died.” King Uzziah had reigned in Judah for over fifty years, a period of relative stability and prosperity. However, his reign ended in judgment—having grown prideful, he attempted to burn incense in the temple, a duty reserved for priests. As a result, God struck him with leprosy, and he died in disgrace (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
The death of Uzziah marked a significant transition for the nation of Judah. It was a time of uncertainty and potential crisis. Would the next king follow the ways of the Lord? Would the nation remain secure? In this moment of instability, Isaiah receives a vision that shifts his focus from an earthly king to the eternal King—the One who is truly sovereign over all things.
The Majesty of God’s Presence
Isaiah sees the Lord, “high and exalted, seated on a throne.” The imagery speaks of absolute authority, supreme power, and divine kingship. This vision reminds us that no matter what happens in earthly leadership, God’s rule remains unshaken. His dominion is eternal.
The prophet does not attempt to describe God’s appearance in detail. In Scripture, God’s glory is often beyond human comprehension (Exodus 33:20). Instead, Isaiah focuses on what surrounds the Lord:
- His robe fills the temple, symbolizing His overwhelming majesty.
- The seraphim, whose name means “fiery ones,” encircle His throne. These angelic beings are mentioned only here in Scripture. Their very presence declares the consuming holiness of God.
- Their posture reveals deep reverence—covering their faces (humility before God’s glory), covering their feet (symbolizing unworthiness), and flying (ready to serve).
These creatures continuously proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” The repetition of “holy” is significant. In Hebrew, repetition emphasizes intensity. To say something three times is to express it in its absolute fullness. Nowhere else in Scripture is an attribute of God repeated in this way. While God is loving, just, and merciful, it is His holiness that is emphasized above all.
The Meaning of Holiness
The word holy means “set apart”—distinct from anything else. When applied to God, holiness refers to His absolute moral perfection, purity, and transcendence. He is entirely separate from sin and completely dedicated to His own glory. Unlike human holiness, which requires cleansing and growth, God’s holiness is intrinsic to His being. He is holy in His character, holy in His actions, and holy in all His ways.
For us, holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes. It involves separation from sin, a pursuit of righteousness, and a full dedication to the Lord. Scripture calls us to “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16). This does not mean achieving perfection on our own but yielding to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Recognize and Proclaim God’s Glory
God’s holiness and His glory are inseparable. When Isaiah receives his vision of the Lord in Isaiah 6, the seraphim not only declare God’s holiness but also proclaim that “the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). This statement affirms that while holiness is the very nature of God—His essence—glory is the visible manifestation of that holiness.
Holiness and Glory: Two Sides of the Same Reality
Holiness speaks of God’s set-apart nature—His purity, perfection, and transcendence. It is who He is, independent of creation. Glory, on the other hand, is how His holiness is revealed. It is the outward expression of His divine nature.
I’ve often thought of the God’s Holiness and His Glory as two sides of the same coin. In a sense, Holiness is glory kept silent. And yet, at the same time, Glory is holiness revealed.
Throughout Scripture, whenever God’s holiness is unveiled to human eyes, it appears in glorious form—radiant light, consuming fire, or overwhelming splendor. Consider these examples:
- Moses on Mount Sinai – When Moses met with God, the mountain trembled, was covered in thick darkness, and was engulfed in fire and smoke (Exodus 19:18). When Moses later asked to see God’s glory, the Lord declared His holiness but only allowed Moses to see His back, for no one could see Him fully and live (Exodus 33:18-23).
- The Tabernacle and Temple – When God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the wilderness and later Solomon’s temple, His glory appeared as a thick cloud, so overwhelming that the priests could not even stand to minister (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11).
- The Transfiguration of Jesus – When Jesus’ divine nature was momentarily unveiled, His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white (Matthew 17:1-2). The disciples, overwhelmed, fell to the ground.
- The Throne Room in Revelation – John’s vision of heaven in Revelation echoes Isaiah’s vision. The throne of God is surrounded by thunder, lightning, and a sea of glass, with heavenly beings proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8-11).
Whenever God’s holiness is seen, it is glorious. His presence is not abstract or passive—it is active, radiant, and consuming.
Creation Declares His Glory
Isaiah 6:3 declares that “the whole earth is full of His glory.” This truth is echoed throughout Scripture:
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”
Creation itself serves as a testimony to God’s magnificence. The vastness of the galaxies, the roaring oceans, the towering mountains—all reflect His majesty. Every sunrise, every storm, and every star in the night sky is a proclamation of His glory. If the earth and heavens proclaim His glory, how much more should we, who are made in His image?
How Big is Your God?
The seraphim in Isaiah’s vision had no question about the greatness of God. They never stopped proclaiming it. But what about us?
- Do we live with an awareness of God’s majesty?
- Do we recognize His glory in creation, in His Word, and in our lives?
- Do we magnify Him in our worship, our prayers, and our daily choices?
For many, God remains too small in their understanding. We may acknowledge His power in theory, but do we live as though He is truly the King of Glory? Is He the ruling force in our lives, or do we reduce Him to a distant concept? To recognize God’s glory is to see Him rightly—high and exalted, beyond all human limitations. To proclaim His glory is to live in response—with awe, worship, and surrender.
So, let me ask you: Is God truly a God of glory in your life?
3. Confess and Repent Before God’s Judgment
The holiness of God is not only a cause for worship but also a cause for trembling. In Isaiah 6, the prophet’s response to seeing God is not excitement or even admiration—it is absolute terror.
“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, NIV)
Isaiah, a prophet of God, is instantly aware of his own unworthiness in the presence of divine holiness. He does not try to justify himself. He does not stand confidently before the throne. Instead, he is undone—completely shattered—because he sees the depth of his own sin in contrast to the purity of God.
The Reality of God’s Holiness and Judgment
A true vision of God’s holiness makes sin unbearable. It strips away excuses and self-righteousness. People who think sin is a small matter simply do not know God as He truly is.
Throughout Scripture, those who encounter God’s holiness respond in fear and reverence:
Exodus 20:18-19 – When the Israelites witnessed God’s presence on Mount Sinai—thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and the sound of a trumpet—they were terrified. They begged Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” They instinctively understood that sinful humanity cannot stand before a holy God.
Exodus 34:20 – When Moses asked to see God’s glory, the Lord told him plainly, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Even Moses, the friend of God, could not bear the fullness of His holiness.
Ezekiel 1:28 – When the prophet Ezekiel had a vision of the Lord’s glory, he fell on his face in reverence and fear.
Daniel 10:8-9 – When Daniel encountered the presence of the Lord, his strength left him, and he fell as though dead.
Revelation 1:17 – When John saw the glorified Christ, he collapsed at His feet “as though dead.”
Each of these moments reveals a fundamental truth: God’s holiness is overwhelming, and His judgment is real. No one can stand before Him on their own merit.
Holiness Demands Judgment
If God is truly holy, He must also be just. A holy God cannot ignore sin or treat it lightly. To do so would be a contradiction of His very nature.
Many people want a God of love but not a God of judgment. However, if God did not judge sin, He would not be holy or righteous. His judgment is not cruel or arbitrary—it is the natural response of a perfect, sinless God to a fallen, sinful world.
This is why Isaiah’s reaction is the only right response: confession and repentance. He does not attempt to justify himself or compare his righteousness to others. He simply acknowledges his sinfulness before God.
4. Receive and Respond to God’s Salvation
God is not only a God of judgment—He is also a God of salvation and restoration. The vision in Isaiah 6 does not end with Isaiah’s despair over his sin. Instead, it moves to a moment of divine cleansing and commission.
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:6-8, NIV)
This passage is a stunning picture of God’s grace. Though Isaiah stood condemned in the presence of God’s holiness, the Lord did not leave him in his guilt. Instead, He provided purification and a renewed purpose.
The Symbolism of the Burning Coal
The live coal taken from the altar is rich with meaning:
- It symbolizes purification. The coal comes from the place of sacrifice, the altar where offerings for sin were made. Fire in Scripture often represents God’s refining power (Malachi 3:2-3). This moment signifies Isaiah’s cleansing from sin.
- It foreshadows the cross. Just as the coal touched Isaiah’s lips and removed his guilt, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Jesus, the Holy One, became our atonement so that we could stand pure before God.
- It is a divine act of grace. Isaiah does nothing to earn or request this cleansing—it is initiated by God. In the same way, salvation is not achieved by human effort but received as a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
One day, we will all stand before this same holy God. The question is: Will we be ready? Isaiah’s experience provides a clear pattern for how we must respond to God’s holiness.
Isaiah’s Threefold Response to God
- Confession – “I am a man of unclean lips”
Before God can use us, we must first acknowledge our need for Him. Isaiah does not make excuses or justify himself—he openly confesses his sin. This is the first step in receiving God’s grace. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). - Cleansing – “Your guilt is taken away”
God does not leave Isaiah in his brokenness. Through the touch of the burning coal, his guilt is removed, and his sin is atoned for. In Christ, we receive this same cleansing. The blood of Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). - Commissioning – “Here am I. Send me!”
Once Isaiah is cleansed, he is ready to be sent. He does not hesitate or ask for details—he simply offers himself in total surrender. God does not redeem us to remain passive; He saves us to send us. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23), making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
Our Response: Will You Say ‘Send Me’?
Isaiah’s journey from brokenness to boldness is a model for us today.
- Do you recognize your need for God’s cleansing?
- Have you received His grace through Christ?
- Are you willing to surrender to His call?
God is still asking, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” May we be a people who, like Isaiah, respond with humility, gratitude, and obedience:
“Here am I. Send me.”
CONCLUSION & CLOSING PRAYER
Isaiah’s encounter with God is not just a historical account—it is an invitation to us today. Just as Isaiah was confronted with the overwhelming reality of God’s holiness, we, too, must respond. His vision reminds us that God’s holiness is not merely an abstract attribute; it is a reality that demands our full attention and a response of surrender.
To stand before a holy God is to see ourselves as we truly are—broken, unclean, and utterly dependent on His grace. But praise be to God, He does not leave us in our sin! He extends mercy, purifies us, and calls us into His service. The same God who touched Isaiah’s lips and removed his guilt is still at work today, cleansing hearts and commissioning lives for His kingdom.
Our Response to God’s Holiness
- Acknowledge Our Sin – True transformation begins with humility. We must recognize that apart from Christ, we are unworthy. Yet, when we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and restore us (1 John 1:9).
- Accept His Grace – We do not cleanse ourselves; God cleanses us. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are made holy and set apart for His purposes. His grace is not just for our salvation—it is the foundation of our daily walk with Him.
- Commit to His Call – Isaiah did not hesitate when God asked, “Whom shall I send?” He responded with boldness, “Here am I. Send me!” God is still calling people today to serve Him, to be His hands and feet in a broken world. Will we answer with the same willingness?
Let Isaiah’s encounter challenge us: Have we truly responded to God’s holiness? Are we living in the reality of His grace? Are we ready to be used for His glory? May we not just admire God’s holiness from a distance but be transformed by it, stepping forward with hearts fully surrendered to His call.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your holiness. You are high and lifted up, and we are humbled in Your presence. We confess that we are unclean, in need of Your mercy and grace. Forgive us for our sins and cleanse us with the refining fire of Your Spirit. Just as You purified Isaiah, purify our hearts so that we may be set apart for Your purposes.
Lord, we hear Your call. Give us ears to listen and hearts to obey. May we respond with surrender, saying, ‘Here am I. Send me.’ Use us to proclaim Your glory, to reflect Your holiness, and to carry out Your will. Strengthen us for the work ahead, and may our lives be a testimony to Your greatness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.