Reflecting the Holiness of God: Part II

By: Dr. Stan Toler

*The following reflection from Dr. Stan Toler is part two of an article published previously on this site.

How then should we reflect God’s holiness?

First – God’s holiness is reflected in an unconditional hatred of sin. Proverbs 6:16-19: “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a Iying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Reflecting God’s holiness means rejecting sin. “No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him” (1 John 3:6).

Second – God’s holiness is reflected in an unconditional love for His people. “How great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God . . .” (1 John 3:1). God’s heart looks beyond the deed to the doer. He can’t accept the sin, but He can wrap His arms of acceptance and forgiveness around the repentant sinner.

As a boy attending camp meetings, I remember those times following a stirring service when we would gather for a time of praise and reflection around a campfire. One by one, as other young people arrived, the circle was enlarged. Some of those who joined the circle weren’t necessarily the holiest in disposition or conduct (at least, before the service). But the presence of God, the warmth of the fire, and the glow on our hearts made a place for them in the circle.

Reflecting God’s holiness means no more closed circles. That doesn’t mean stamping approval on sin – in any form. It does mean, however, having a heart that is inclusive rather than exclusive. In his message, “The Way of Holiness,” Jonathan Edwards declared, “

“[Holiness] is sweet and ravishingly lovely.”

Third – God’s holiness is reflected in unconditional sacrifice for the welfare of others. John 3:16 has been mocked by football fans, wrestling promoters, and stand-up comedians. But it will never be replaced as the definitive word on God’s commitment to His creation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He loved . . . He gave . . . He paid the ultimate price for every person.

Reflecting God’s holiness means the putting aside of self and selfishness for the redemption of others. According to Paul the apostle, that is seen in the home as well as on the highways. Ephesians 5:25 admonishes: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. ‘Chuck Colson said, “Holiness is the everyday business of every Christian.”

Though we are not “little gods,” as some religions teach, we can have a little of God in us. “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

A nineteenth-century Scottish theologian once wrote, “Holiness consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” What is that? Reflecting the holiness of God!