Holy, Holy, Holy: Encountering the Holiness of God
Isaiah 6:1-3
Key Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV)
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne… Above him were seraphim… and they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.’”
Introduction
Some hymns comfort us. Others encourage us. But “Holy, Holy, Holy” is a hymn that awakens us.
It begins:
“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.”
This is a song of reverence. A song of majesty. A song that reminds us that we are not singing to a small or common god—but to the God who is utterly and completely holy.
So what does it mean to sing “Holy, Holy, Holy”?
Let’s explore three truths about God’s holiness and how they change our lives.
Point 1: God’s Holiness Is Set Apart
“Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!”
To be “holy” means to be set apart—pure, perfect, untainted. God isn’t just a better version of us. He is completely other.
Exodus 15:11
“Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
No one compares. His thoughts are higher. His ways are purer. His presence is unshakable. He is holy in His being, His actions, and His purposes.
That’s why the angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy.” In Hebrew, repetition emphasizes perfection. God isn’t just holy—He is completely, eternally, and supremely holy.
Point 2: God’s Holiness Exposes Our Need
In Isaiah 6, after Isaiah hears the angels crying “Holy, holy, holy,” what’s his reaction?
Isaiah 6:5
“Woe to me!… I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips…”
When we truly see the holiness of God, we also see our own sinfulness. His light exposes our darkness—not to shame us, but to cleanse us.
“Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see…”
Sin blinds us. Pride numbs us. But when we come into the presence of a holy God, we realize:
We don’t need to clean ourselves up to come to God—we come to God so He can clean us.
Point 3: God’s Holiness Invites Us to Worship
“All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea…”
Everything God made was designed to declare His holiness—creation sings it, the heavens display it, and redeemed hearts live it.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Holiness isn’t about perfectionism—it’s about pursuing God’s presence and reflecting His character.
And the more we see Him as holy, the more we want to live in a way that honors Him.
When we sing “Holy, Holy, Holy”, we’re joining heaven’s choir. We’re not just singing about God—we’re standing before Him.
Conclusion: Let Your Life Sing
The hymn ends:
“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea…”
So let your life be a hymn.
Let your heart cry, “Holy!”
Let your soul rise up in reverence, because we worship a God who is not only powerful, but pure, present, and perfect.
He is holy.
Closing Prayer
Lord God Almighty, You are holy beyond measure. You are set apart in power, in purity, and in glory. Forgive us for the times we’ve taken Your holiness lightly. Let us stand in awe of You—like Isaiah did—and let that awe lead us to repentance, worship, and obedience. Make us holy as You are holy, and may our lives be a song of praise to Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.