The Holiness and Love of God
by Chester A. McCalley

God Is Holy

Definition

Holiness is the aspect of God's character that loves goodness and hates sin.

Explanation

The basic meaning of the word holy is to separate. It may apply to objects such as Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:23 consecrate). When Moses stood before God, he was told the ground on which he stood was holy (Exodus 3:5). God's holiness could not tolerate the presence of sinful man.

Holiness is expressed in two corresponding attributes, righteousness and justice. Righteousness means God is perfect goodness; He loves right and is satisfied only by right. Psalm 11:7 states very clearly, "For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness...." The righteous character of God forbids that he should do wrong. "Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong (Job 34:10)."

The justice of God demands that all sin be punished. "The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all who do iniquity (Psalm 5:5)." Both the righteousness and justice of God are tied together in Psalm 45:7 where David says, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness...."

Application

God's holiness is the foundation of all the other attributes. It is said to be the foundation of God's throne, "God sits on His holy throne (Psalm 47:8)." "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne... (Psalm 89:14)." The same words are repeated in Psalm 97:2.
God's holiness limits the other attributes. God is love, but love cannot be expressed at the price of holiness. God is full of mercy and grace, but these cannot be extended to man apart from the satisfaction of God's holiness. The death of Jesus satisfies the demands of God's righteousness so salvation can be extended (I John 2:2). God's holiness is mentioned more times in Scripture than any other of His attributes.
 

God Is Love

Definition

Love is the part of God's character that causes Him to give Himself for the well being of the one loved.

Explanation

The above definition is dictated by I John 3:16 which reads, "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us...." There are several words that allude to God's love. God's grace is His unmerited favor bestowed on those who believe on Jesus Christ (Romans 5:6-10). God's mercy is the attitude of compassion toward those suffering the consequences of sin (I Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11). God's longsuffering is manifested in the withholding of well deserved judgment in order to grant an opportunity for repentance (Romans 2:4, II Peter 3:9).

Application

Love provides for the one loved (I John 4:9).
Love is not based on reciprocity (I John 4:10).
Love is not based on merit (Romans 5:8).
Love participates in the affliction of the one loved (Isaiah 63:9).

Window on the Word

March 1997

A Bi-monthly Publication of Word of Truth
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