THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS

God=s True Character Revealed


 
 

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth for ever” (II Chronicles 20:21).

Christendom misrepresents God to mankind. It does so as a harsh, stern, angry god, full of wrath. This is the byproduct of the religious system=s faulty estimation of God’s holiness. We have been seriously misled as to the true nature of our Creator.

When the choir of Israel sang the praises of God, it is quite interesting to note what they specifically magnified about Him:

“...He appointed singers unto the LORD, and that they should praise the beauty of holiness...” (II Chronicles 20:21).

To demonstrate the beauty of His holiness, here is what they actually sang:

“...Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth for ever(II Chronicles 20:21). 

The religious system would lead us to believe that the holiness of God overflows with sternest, severity, anger, and wrath. But when the choir of Israel sang the praises of God=s holiness, they specifically sang about His mercy enduring for ever. This is contrary to religious thinking.

The holiness of God actually overflows with kindness, compassion, love, gentleness, and mercy! We learn this from the pages of the Scriptures themselves. We see this clearly within the context of our passage. God=s holiness is associated with divine mercy.

Let=s look at a few other passages, where we can clearly see the relationship between God=s holiness and His mercy.

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy...  I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth…” (Isaiah 57:15-16).

 

“I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee...” (Hosea 11:9).

Why would God not execute the fierceness of His anger? The verse tells us why. Because He is not man, He is “the Holy One”!

We can also see the connection between the holiness of God and His mercy in the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ. The one “Who is holy” and “separate from sinners” was here on earth as “a friend of Publican and sinners” (c.f. Hebrews 7:26; Matthew 11:19).

One telling passage about the true nature of holiness can be seen in the admonition of Paul, the apostle:

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (I Timothy 2:8).

Ultimately, wrath and holiness are not compatible in the mind of Paul (nor the mind of God!)

Here is another passage that sheds great light on the true character of holiness:

“Brethren, if a men be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness . . .” (Gelatins 6:1).

Genuine spirituality and true holiness produce gentleness, kindness, love, compassion, and mercy. The absence of these characteristics is a result of the lack of the holiness of God appropriated to the life of the believer. It is the false holiness of self-righteousness that produces the arrogance and conceit of haughtiness better-than-thou.

“The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves...” (II Timothy 2:24, 25).

In closing, we will recall that God=s holiness is predominately connected with His Saviorhood! He is the compassionate and loving Saviour, because of His holiness... not in spite of it!

“For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...” (Isaiah 43:3).

This is Biblical view of the true and living God!

Rejoice in Him! He is a wonderful God! His holiness is beautiful! 

 


by Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
© 2004-2006
Pilkington & Sons
1-800-784-6010
www.hellfactor.com
See Available Books on this Subject at www.pilkingtonandsons.com/hell.htm

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