The Thrice Holy God: A Foundation for Knowing and Proclaiming Him

When we speak of God, what is the first attribute that comes to mind? For many, it might be His love, grace, or mercy—attributes that comfort and draw us near. Yet, Scripture reveals that the foundation of God’s character, the attribute that defines His very essence, is His holiness. In Proclaiming The God We Know, I explore the "Thrice Holy" nature of God as a cornerstone for understanding who He is and how we, as His ambassadors, are called to proclaim Him to a world in desperate need of the gospel.

The Holiness of God:

Declared in Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” This threefold declaration—unique in its repetition—underscores the supreme holiness of God. In biblical language, repetition intensifies meaning. To say God is “holy, holy, holy” is to declare that His holiness is perfect, complete, and utterly distinct from anything in creation. He is not merely holy; He is the epitome of holiness, set apart from all that is sinful, impure, or created. This holiness is not an abstract concept but a blazing reality that shapes how we understand God and our relationship with Him.

As I write in the book, God’s holiness means He is “different, other,” unlike anything or anyone else (Psalm 50:21). He is not like us, nor can He be compared to anything in creation. His holiness demands reverence, awe, and a recognition that He is the standard of all that is good, right, and pure.

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The Implications of God’s Holiness

Understanding God’s holiness transforms how we view ourselves and the world. Because God is holy, He cannot tolerate sin. As Hebrews 12:29 declares, “Our God is a consuming fire.” Anything unholy that approaches Him is utterly consumed unless covered by the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 3:12). This truth exposes the folly of casual or flippant approaches to evangelism, such as encouraging unregenerate sinners to approach God through a “sinner’s prayer” without first pointing them to Christ’s mediating work. As I note in the book, such practices risk leading people into danger, as they approach a holy God as enemies, not yet reconciled through the blood of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).

God’s holiness also reveals the depth of human sinfulness. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The glory of God is tied to His holiness, and our sin places us in opposition to Him. Yet, this sobering reality is the starting point for the gospel. The holiness of God magnifies the wonder of His grace, for it is this holy God who, in love, sent His Son to bear the wrath we deserve (Isaiah 53:5). Evangelism must begin here: proclaiming a God who is holy, just, and righteous, yet merciful in providing a Savior.

Holiness and Evangelism

As ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20), our evangelism must flow from a deep knowledge of God’s holiness. When we grasp that God is “thrice holy,” we cannot reduce the gospel to a mere escape from hell or a promise of earthly comfort. Eternal life, as John 17:3 teaches, is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This knowledge begins with recognizing God’s holiness and our desperate need for His grace. Evangelism is not about memorizing a method but about passionately pursuing the knowledge of God and making Him known. When we proclaim the gospel, we must declare the holiness of God to awaken sinners to their need for a Savior. We point them to Jesus, the One who lived a perfectly holy life, died under the wrath of God for our sins, and rose again to reconcile us to the holy God (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the message that crashes “the gates of the enemy with the weapon of our warfare, the proclamation of the gospel."

A Call to Reflect and Proclaim

The holiness of God is not just a doctrine to study; it is a truth to live and share. As believers, we are called to be a “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), reflecting God’s character in our lives and proclaiming His excellencies to the world. This means living with reverence and awe, knowing that we serve a God who is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28–29). It also means boldly sharing the gospel, pleading with others to be reconciled to God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). As you reflect on God’s holiness, consider these questions:

1. How does God’s holiness shape your understanding of your own sin and need for Christ? Take time to meditate on Isaiah 6:1–5, where Isaiah’s encounter with God’s holiness led him to confess his unworthiness.

2. How can you incorporate God’s holiness into your gospel proclamation? Write a brief gospel invitation that emphasizes God’s holiness and Christ’s role as our mediator.

3. What steps can you take to live as part of God’s “holy nation”? Consider how your actions, words, and witness can reflect the holiness of the God you serve.

   
   

Conclusion

The holiness of God is the foundation of our faith and the heartbeat of our evangelism. To know God as “thrice holy” is to be gripped by His majesty, humbled by our sin, and overwhelmed by His grace in providing a Savior. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, let us proclaim this holy God to a world that desperately needs to hear the truth. May our lives and words echo the cry of the seraphim: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” Let us commit to knowing the God we proclaim, trusting that as we do, He will equip us to be faithful ambassadors for Christ, pleading with the world to be reconciled to the holy God through Jesus, our Savior.